Pattern forming method as well as production methods for processed substrate, optical component, circuit board, electronic component and imprint mold

ABSTRACT

A pattern is formed on a substrate with forming a layer of a curable composition (A1) containing a component (a1) as a polymerizable compound and a component (c1) as a surfactant on a surface of the substrate, then dispensing droplets of a curable composition (A2) containing a component (a2) as a polymerizable compound and a component (c2) as a surfactant dropwise discretely onto the layer formed of the curable composition (A1), subsequently sandwiching a mixture layer of the curable composition (A1) and the curable composition (A2) between a mold having a pattern and the substrate, then irradiating the mixture layer with light to cure the mixture layer, and releasing the mold from the mixture layer after the curing. The curable composition (A1) containing at least 0.5 wt % or more of the component (c1), the curable composition (A2) containing at least 0.5 wt % or more of the component (c2).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pattern forming method, a method of producing a processed substrate, a method of producing an optical component, a method of producing a circuit board, a method of producing an electronic component, and a method of producing an imprint mold.

Description of the Related Art

There has been a growing requirement for miniaturization in a semiconductor device, a MEMS, or the like, and hence a photo-nanoimprint technology has been attracting attention as a microfabrication technology.

In the photo-nanoimprint technology, a photocurable composition (resist) is cured in a state in which a mold having a fine groove/land pattern formed on its surface is pressed against a substrate (wafer) having applied thereto the photocurable composition. Thus, the groove/land pattern of the mold is transferred onto the cured film of the photocurable composition and hence the pattern is formed on the substrate. According to the photo-nanoimprint technology, a fine structural body of the order of several nanometers can be formed on the substrate.

A photo-nanoimprint technology disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4791357 is described with reference to FIGS. 1A through 1F (including FIGS. 1DA and 1FA). First, a liquid resist 102 is dispensed dropwise discretely onto a pattern formation region on a substrate 101 by using an inkjet method (arranging step (1), FIGS. 1A through 1C). Droplets of the resist 102 dispensed dropwise spread on the substrate 101 as indicated by arrows 104 showing the direction in which droplets spread, and the phenomenon is called prespread (FIG. 1C). Next, the resist 102 is molded with a mold 105 that has a pattern formed thereon and is transparent to irradiation light 106 to be described later (mold contacting step (2), FIG. 1D). In the mold contacting step, the droplets of the resist 102 spread over the entire region of a gap between the substrate 101 and the mold 105 by virtue of a capillary phenomenon as indicated by the arrows 104 showing the direction in which droplets spread (FIG. 1DA). The phenomenon is called spread. In addition, in the mold contacting step, the resist 102 is filled into a groove portion on the mold 105 as indicated by the arrows 104 showing the direction in which droplets spread by the capillary phenomenon (FIG. 1DA). The filling phenomenon is called fill. A time period required for the spread and the fill to be completed is called a filling time. After the completion of the filling of the resist 102, the resist 102 is cured by being irradiated with irradiation light 106 (light irradiating step (3), FIG. 1E), and then the mold 105 is released from the substrate 101 (releasing step (4), FIG. 1F). The performance of those steps results in the formation of a cured film 107 having a predetermined pattern shape (FIG. 1F) on the substrate 101.

The photo-nanoimprint technology disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 4791357 has involved a problem in that a time period (filling time) from the initiation of the contact of the mold to the completion of the spread and the fill is long, and hence throughput is low.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventors of the present invention have devised a photo-nanoimprint technology having a short filling time, in other words, high throughput (short spread time nanoimprint lithography, hereinafter referred to as “SST-NIL”). As illustrated in the schematic sectional views of FIGS. 2A through 2G, the SST-NIL includes:

a first laying step (1) of laying a liquid curable composition (A1) 202 on a substrate 201 (FIGS. 2A and 2B);

a second laying step (2) of laying droplets of a curable composition (A2) 203 discretely on the layer of the curable composition (A1) 202 (FIGS. 2C and 2D);

a mold contacting step (3) of sandwiching a mixture layer obtained by partially mixing the curable composition (A1) 202 and the curable composition (A2) 203 between a mold 205 having a pattern and the substrate 201 (FIG. 2E);

a light irradiating step (4) of irradiating the mixture layer with irradiation light 206 from the side of the mold 205 to cure the layer (FIG. 2F); and

a releasing step (5) of releasing the mold 205 from a layer formed of the curable compositions after the curing (a cured film 207 having a pattern shape) (FIG. 2G).

The droplets of the curable composition (A2) 203 arranged in the second laying step (2) are quickly spread in directions indicated by arrows 204 showing the direction in which droplets spread by a Marangoni effect using a difference in surface energy (surface tension) as a driving force as described later (prespread).

The Marangoni effect is a free surface movement phenomenon resulting from a local difference in surface tension between liquids (N. Imaishi/Int. J. Microgravity Sci. No. 31 Supplement 2014 (S5-S12)). The difference in surface tension, in other words, surface energy serves as a driving force to cause such diffusion that a liquid having a low surface tension covers a wider surface. In other words, when the curable composition (A1) 202 having a high surface tension is applied to the entire surface of the substrate 201 and the curable composition (A2) 203 having a low surface tension is dispensed dropwise, the prespread of the curable composition (A2) 203 is accelerated.

That is, the surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1) 202 except the component (d1) serving as a solvent is preferably higher than the surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A2) 203 except a component (d2) serving as a solvent. This is because of the following reason. Before the mold contacting step, the prespread of the curable composition (A2) 203 is accelerated (droplets spread over a wide range) by the Marangoni effect to be described later, and hence a time period required for spread in the mold contacting step to be described later is shortened. As a result, a filling time is shortened.

In the SST-NIL, the droplets of the curable composition (A2) 203 dispensed dropwise discretely expand quickly on the liquid film of the curable composition (A1) 202, and hence a filling time is short and throughput is high.

A problem with the SST-NIL is described with reference to the schematic sectional views of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

In each of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-159924, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-168003, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-187824, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-235571, there is a description of a step in which two kinds of curable compositions are used. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-159924 out of those documents, there is a proposal that a composition on a substrate 201 side out of the two kinds of curable compositions contain a small amount, or be free, of a release agent, and contain an adhesion improver, and a composition on a mold 205 side contain a large amount of a release agent instead. It is premised that the composition on the substrate 201 side is out of contact with the mold 205.

However, in the SST-NIL developed by the inventors of the present invention, as illustrated in the steps (2) to (3) of FIGS. 2C through 2E, the curable composition (A1) 202 to be laid first on the substrate 201 side is also brought into contact with the mold 205. In other words, the cured film 207 after the curing having a pattern shape in the SST-NIL illustrated in FIG. 2G is formed of a cured film 2071 containing a large amount of the curable composition (A1) 202 and a cured film 2072 containing a large amount of the curable composition (A2) 203, and both the films are brought into close contact with the mold 205. Accordingly, when the cured film 2071 containing a large amount of the curable composition (A1) 202 to be formed first on the substrate 201 side contains a small amount, or is free, of a release agent as in the case of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-159924, a problem in that the cured film 2071 containing a large amount of the curable composition (A1) 202 breaks to divide into broken cured films 2071′ and 2071″ as illustrated in FIG. 3B occurs. Also when the cured film contains a large amount of an adhesion improver, the same problem occurs. A pattern having a sufficient height is not formed on the substrate 201, and the fact affects a post-process for the substrate 201, such as dry etching. In addition, the broken cured film 2071″ remains in the mold 205 to affect the next imprint step.

In addition, in the case of the cured film 2072 containing a large amount of the curable composition (A2) 203 containing a release agent, the same problem seldom occurs as illustrated in FIG. 3A. However, when a fluorine-based release agent that has performance as a release agent and has been frequently used in general is incorporated into the curable composition (A1) 202, the surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1) 202 except the component (d1) serving as a solvent is low. Accordingly, a difference between the surface tension and the surface tension of the curable composition (A2) 203 except the solvent component (d2) is small, or the former surface tension becomes lower than the latter surface tension instead. As a result, the Marangoni effect described in the foregoing is not exhibited, and hence a shortening effect on the filling time of the SST-NIL reduces.

An object of the present invention is to provide a SST-NIL technology having high throughput and causing a small number of release defects.

A pattern forming method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes in this order:

a first laying step (1) of laying a layer formed of a curable composition (A1) containing at least a component (a1) serving as a polymerizable compound and a component (c1) serving as a surfactant on a surface of a substrate;

a second laying step (2) of dispensing droplets of a curable composition (A2) containing at least a component (a2) serving as a polymerizable compound and a component (c2) serving as a surfactant dropwise discretely onto the layer formed of the curable composition (A1) to lay the droplets;

a mold contacting step (3) of sandwiching a mixture layer obtained by partially mixing the curable composition (A1) and the curable composition (A2) between a mold having a pattern and the substrate;

a light irradiating step (4) of irradiating the mixture layer with light from the side of the mold to cure the layer; and

a releasing step (5) of releasing the mold from the mixture layer after the curing,

the curable composition (A1) containing at least 0.5 wt % or more of a component (c1) serving as a surfactant with respect to the total weight of components of the curable composition (A1) except a solvent, the curable composition (A2) containing at least 0.5 wt % or more of a component (c2) serving as a surfactant with respect to the total weight of components of the curable composition (A2) except a solvent,

a surface tension of the curable composition (A1) being higher than a surface tension of the curable composition (A2).

According to the present invention, there can be provided the pattern forming method having high throughput and causing a small number of release defects.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1DA, 1E, 1F and 1FA are schematic sectional views for illustrating a precedent for a photo-nanoimprint technology.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F and 2G are schematic sectional views for illustrating a SST-NIL technology.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic sectional views for illustrating a problem to be solved by the invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic enlarged sectional views for illustrating an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment to be described below. Appropriate modifications, improvements, and the like of the embodiment to be described below that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention and are based on the ordinary knowledge of a person skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, a component (a) contained in the curable composition (A1) is written as a component (a1), and a component (a) contained in the curable composition (A2) is written as a component (a2). The same applies to a component (b) through (d).

[Curable Composition]

Curable compositions (A1) and (A2) according to this embodiment are each a composition containing at least a component (a) serving as a polymerizable compound. The curable compositions according to this embodiment may each further contain a component (b) serving as a photopolymerization initiator, a compound (c) serving as a non-polymerizable, or a component (d) serving as a solvent.

In addition, the term “cured film” as used herein means a film obtained by polymerizing and curing a curable composition on a substrate. The shape of the cured film is not particularly limited, and the film may have a pattern shape on its surface.

Each component is hereinafter described in detail.

<Component (a): Polymerizable Compound>

The component (a) is a polymerizable compound. The polymerizable compound as used herein is a compound that reacts with a polymerizing factor (such as a radical) generated from the component (b) serving as a photopolymerization initiator to form a film formed of a polymer compound by a chain reaction (polymerization reaction).

As such polymerizable compound, there is given, for example, a radical polymerizable compound. The component (a) serving as the polymerizable compound may be formed of only one kind of polymerizable compound or a plurality of kinds of polymerizable compounds.

It is preferred that the radical polymerizable compound be a compound having one or more acryloyl groups or methacryloyl groups, that is, a (meth)acrylic compound. Therefore, it is preferred that the curable compositions according to this embodiment each contain the (meth)acrylic compound as the component (a), it is more preferred that a main component for the component (a) be the (meth)acrylic compound, and it is most preferred that the entirety of the component (a) be the (meth)acrylic compound. The phrase “a main component for the component (a) is the (meth)acrylic compound” described herein means that the (meth)acrylic compound accounts for 90 wt % or more of the component (a).

When the radical polymerizable compound includes a plurality of kinds of compounds each having one or more acryloyl groups or methacryloyl groups, the compound preferably contains a monofunctional (meth)acrylic monomer and a polyfunctional (meth)acrylic monomer. This is because the combination of the monofunctional (meth)acrylic monomer and the polyfunctional (meth)acrylic monomer provides a cured film having a high mechanical strength.

Monofunctional (meth)acrylic compounds having one acryloyl group or methacryloyl group are exemplified by, but not limited to, phenoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, phenoxy-2-methylethyl (meth)acrylate, phenoxyethoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 3-phenoxy-2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-phenylphenoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 4-phenylphenoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 3-(2-phenylphenyl)-2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, EO-modified p-cumylphenyl (meth)acrylate, 2-bromophenoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2,4-dibromophenoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2,4,6-tribromophenoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, EO-modified phenoxy (meth)acrylate, PO-modified phenoxy (meth)acrylate, polyoxyethylene nonylphenyl ether (meth)acrylate, isobornyl (meth)acrylate, 1-adamantyl (meth)acrylate, 2-methyl-2-adamantyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethyl-2-adamantyl (meth)acrylate, bornyl (meth)acrylate, tricyclodecanyl (meth)acrylate, dicyclopentanyl (meth)acrylate, dicyclopentenyl (meth)acrylate, cyclohexyl (meth)acrylate, 4-butylcyclohexyl (meth)acrylate, acryloyl morpholine, 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate, 2-hydroxybutyl (meth)acrylate, methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, propyl (meth)acrylate, isopropyl (meth)acrylate, butyl (meth)acrylate, amyl (meth)acrylate, isobutyl (meth)acrylate, t-butyl (meth)acrylate, pentyl (meth)acrylate, isoamyl (meth)acrylate, hexyl (meth)acrylate, heptyl (meth)acrylate, octyl (meth)acrylate, isooctyl (meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate, nonyl (meth)acrylate, decyl (meth)acrylate, isodecyl (meth)acrylate, undecyl (meth)acrylate, dodecyl (meth)acrylate, lauryl (meth)acrylate, stearyl (meth)acrylate, isostearyl (meth)acrylate, benzyl (meth)acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl (meth)acrylate, butoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, ethoxy diethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, polyethylene glycol mono(meth)acrylate, polypropylene glycol mono(meth)acrylate, methoxy ethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, ethoxyethyl (meth)acrylate, methoxy polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylate, methoxy polypropylene glycol (meth)acrylate, diacetone (meth)acrylamide, isobutoxymethyl (meth)acrylamide, N,N-dimethyl (meth)acrylamide, t-octyl (meth)acrylamide, dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, diethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, 7-amino-3,7-dimethyloctyl (meth)acrylate, N,N-diethyl (meth)acrylamide, and N,N-dimethylaminopropyl (meth)acrylamide.

Examples of commercial products corresponding to the monofunctional (meth)acrylic compounds include, but not limited to: Aronix (trademark) M101, M102, M110, M111, M113, M117, M5700, TO-1317, M120, M150, and M156 (all of which are manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd); MEDOL10, MIBDOL10, CHDOL10, MMDOL30, MEDOL30, MIBDOL30, CHDOL30, LA, IBXA, 2-MTA, HPA, and Viscoat #150, #155, #158, #190, #192, #193, #220, #2000, #2100, and #2150 (all of which are manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd.); Light Acrylate BO-A, EC-A, DMP-A, THF-A, HOP-A, HOA-MPE, HOA-MPL, PO-A, P-200A, NP-4EA, and NP-8EA, and Epoxy Ester M-600A (all of which are manufactured by Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd.); KAYARAD (trademark) TC110S, R-564, and R-128H (all of which are manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.); NK Ester AMP-10G and AMP-20G (both of which are manufactured by Shin-Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd.); FA-511A, 512A, and 513A (all of which are manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.); PHE, CEA, PHE-2, PHE-4, BR-31, BR-31M, and BR-32 (all of which are manufactured by Dai-ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.); VP (manufactured by BASF); and ACMO, DMAA, and DMAPAA (all of which are manufactured by Kohjin Co., Ltd.).

In addition, polyfunctional (meth)acrylic compounds having two or more acryloyl groups or methacryloyl groups are exemplified by, but not limited to, trimethylolpropane di(meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, EO-modified trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, PO-modified trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, EO,PO-modified trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, dimethyloltricyclodecane di(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tetra(meth)acrylate, ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, tetraethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, polypropylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, 1,4-butanediol di(meth)acrylate, 1,6-hexanediol di(meth)acrylate, neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate, 1,9-nonanediol di(meth)acrylate, 1,10-decanediol di(meth)acrylate, 1,3-adamantane dimethanol di(meth)acrylate, tris(2-hydroxyethyl)isocyanurate tri(meth)acrylate, tris(acryloyloxy)isocyanurate, bis(hydroxymethyl)tricyclodecane di(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, EO-modified 2,2-bis(4-((meth)acryloxy)phenyl)propane, PO-modified 2,2-bis(4-((meth)acryloxy)phenyl)propane, and EO,PO-modified 2,2-bis(4-((meth)acryloxy)phenyl)propane.

Examples of commercial products corresponding to the polyfunctional (meth)acrylic compounds include, but not limited to: Upimer (trademark) UV SA1002 and SA2007 (both of which are manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation); Viscoat #195, #230, #215, #260, #335HP, #295, #300, #360, #700, GPT, and 3PA (all of which are manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd.); Light Acrylate 4EG-A, 9EG-A, NP-A, DCP-A, BP-4EA, BP-4PA, TMP-A, PE-3A, PE-4A, and DPE-6A (all of which are manufactured by Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd.); KAYARAD (trademark) PET-30, TMPTA, R-604, DPHA, DPCA-20, -30, -60, and -120, and HX-620, D-310, and D-330 (all of which are manufactured by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.); Aronix (trademark) M208, M210, M215, M220, M240, M305, M309, M310, M315, M325, and M400 (all of which are manufactured by Toagosei Co., Ltd); and Lipoxy (trademark) VR-77, VR-60, and VR-90 (all of which are manufactured by Showa Highpolymer Co., Ltd.).

In the above-mentioned compound group, the term “(meth)acrylate” means an acrylate or a methacrylate having an alcohol residue equal to the acrylate. The term “(meth)acryloyl group” means an acryloyl group or a methacryloyl group having an alcohol residue equal to the acryloyl group. The abbreviation “EO” refers to ethylene oxide, and the term “EO-modified compound A” means a compound in which a (meth)acrylic acid residue and an alcohol residue of the compound A are bonded to each other through a block structure of an ethylene oxide group. Further, the abbreviation “PO” refers to propylene oxide, and the term “PO-modified compound B” means a compound in which a (meth)acrylic acid residue and an alcohol residue of the compound B are bonded to each other through a block structure of a propylene oxide group.

The blending ratio of the component (a1) serving as a polymerizable compound in the curable composition (A1) is desirably 50 wt % or more and 100 wt % or less with respect to the total weight of the component (a1), the component (b1), the component (c1), and the component (d1), i.e., the total weight of the components of the curable composition (A1) except the component (e1) serving as a solvent. In addition, the blending ratio is preferably 80 wt % or more and 100 wt % or less, more preferably 90 wt % or more and 100 wt % or less.

When the blending ratio of the component (a1) serving as a polymerizable compound in the curable composition (A1) is set to 50 wt % or more with respect to the total weight of the component (a1), the component (b1), the component (c1), and the component (d1), a cured film to be obtained can be turned into a cured film having some degree of mechanical strength.

The blending ratio of the component (a2) serving as a polymerizable compound in the curable composition (A2) is desirably 50 wt % or more and 99.9 wt % or less with respect to the total weight of the component (a2), the component (b2), the component (c2), and the component (d2), i.e., the total weight of the components of the curable composition (A2) except the component (e2) serving as a solvent. In addition, the blending ratio is preferably 80 wt % or more and 99 wt % or less, more preferably 90 wt % or more and 98 wt % or less.

When the blending ratio of the component (a2) serving as a polymerizable compound in the curable composition (A2) is set to 50 wt % or more with respect to the total weight of the component (a2), the component (b2), the component (c2), and the component (d2), a cured film to be obtained can be turned into a cured film having some degree of mechanical strength.

In addition, as described below, it is preferred that the curable composition (A1) contain the component (e1). The blending ratio of the component (a1) in the curable composition (A1) is desirably 0.01 wt % or more and 10 wt % or less with respect to the total weight of the components of the curable composition (A1) containing the component (e1) serving as a solvent.

<Component (b): Photopolymerization Initiator>

The component (b) is a photopolymerization initiator.

The photopolymerization initiator as used herein is a compound that detects light having a predetermined wavelength to generate the above-mentioned polymerizing factor (radical). Specifically, the photopolymerization initiator is a polymerization initiator (radical generator) that generates a radical with light (a radiation, e.g., an infrared ray, a visible ray, an ultraviolet ray, a far ultraviolet ray, an X-ray, or a charged particle ray, such as an electron beam).

The component (b) may be formed of one kind of photopolymerization initiator or a plurality of kinds of photopolymerization initiators.

Examples of the radical generator include, but not limited to: 2,4,5-triarylimidazole dimers that may have a substituent, such as a 2-(o-chlorophenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole dimer, a 2-(o-chlorophenyl)-4,5-di(methoxyphenyl)imidazole dimer, a 2-(o-fluorophenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole dimer, and a 2-(o- or p-methoxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenylimidazole dimer; benzophenone derivatives, such as benzophenone, N,N′-tetramethyl-4,4′-diaminobenzophenone (Michler's ketone), N,N′-tetraethyl-4,4′-diaminobenzophenone, 4-methoxy-4′-dimethylaminobenzophenone, 4-chlorobenzophenone, 4,4′-dimethoxybenzophenone, and 4,4′-diaminobenzophenone; α-amino aromatic ketone derivatives, such as 2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-1-(4-morpholinophenyl)-butanone-1,2-methyl-1-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-2-morpholino-propan-1-one; quinones, such as 2-ethylanthraquinone, phenanthrenequinone, 2-t-butylanthraquinone, octamethylanthraquinone, 1,2-benzanthraquinone, 2,3-benzanthraquinone, 2-phenylanthraquinone, 2,3-diphenylanthraquinone, 1-chloroanthraquinone, 2-methylanthraquinone, 1,4-naphthoquinone, 9,10-phenanthraquinone, 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, and 2,3-dimethylanthraquinone; benzoin ether derivatives, such as benzoin methyl ether, benzoin ethyl ether, and benzoin phenyl ether; benzoin derivatives, such as benzoin, methylbenzoin, ethylbenzoin, and propylbenzoin; benzyl derivatives, such as benzyl dimethyl ketal; acridine derivatives, such as 9-phenylacridine and 1,7-bis(9,9′-acridinyl)heptane; N-phenylglycine derivatives, such as N-phenylglycine; acetophenone and acetophenone derivatives, such as 3-methylacetophenone, acetophenone benzyl ketal, 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone, and 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone; thioxanthone derivatives, such as thioxanthone, diethylthioxanthone, 2-isopropylthioxanthone, and 2-chlorothioxanthone; acylphosphine oxide derivatives, such as 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl diphenyl phosphine oxide, bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phenyl phosphine oxide, and bis-(2,6-dimethoxybenzoyl)-2,4,4-trimethylpentyl phosphine oxide; oxime ester derivatives, such as 1,2-octanedione, 1-[4-(phenylthio)-, 2-(o-benzoyloxime)] and ethanone, 1-[9-ethyl-6-(2-methylbenzoyl)-9H-carbazol-3-yl]-, 1-(o-acetyloxime); xantone; fluorenone; benzaldehyde; fluorene; anthraquinone; triphenylamine; carbazole; 1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-1-one; and 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-1-one.

Examples of commercial products corresponding to the radical generator include, but not limited to, Irgacure 184, 369, 651, 500, 819, 907, 784, and 2959, CGI-1700, -1750, and -1850, CG24-61, Darocur 1116 and 1173, Lucirin (trademark) TPO, LR8893, and LR8970 (all of which are manufactured by BASF), and Ubecryl P36 (manufactured by UCB).

Of those, the component (b) is preferably an acylphosphine oxide-based polymerization initiator. The acylphosphine oxide-based polymerization initiator is, of the examples described above, an acylphosphine oxide compound, such as 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl diphenyl phosphine oxide, bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phenyl phosphine oxide, or bis(2,6-dimethoxybenzoyl)-2,4,4-trimethylpentyl phosphine oxide.

The blending ratio of the component (b2) serving as a photopolymerization initiator in the curable composition (A2) is desirably 0.1 wt % or more and 50 wt % or less with respect to the total weight of the component (a2), the component (b2), and the component (c2) to be described later, i.e., the total weight of the components of the curable composition (A2) except the component (d2) serving as a solvent. In addition, the blending ratio is preferably 0.1 wt % or more and 20 wt % or less, more preferably 3 wt % or more and 20 wt % or less.

When the blending ratio of the component (b2) in the curable composition (A2) is set to 0.1 wt % or more with respect to the total weight of the component (a2), the component (b2), and the component (c2), the curing rate of the composition increases and hence reaction efficiency can be improved. In addition, when the blending ratio of the component (b2) is set to 50 wt % or less with respect to the total weight of the component (a2), the component (b2), and the component (c2), a cured film to be obtained can be turned into a cured film having some degree of mechanical strength.

The blending ratio of the component (b1) serving as a photopolymerization initiator in the curable composition (A1) is desirably 0.1 wt % or less with respect to the total weight of the component (a1), the component (b1), and the component (c1) to be described later, i.e., the total weight of the components of the curable composition (A1) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent.

<Component (c): Non-Polymerizable Compound>

The curable compositions (A1) and (A2) according to this embodiment can each further contain the component (c) serving as a non-polymerizable compound in addition to the component (a) and the component (b) described in the foregoing in accordance with various purposes to the extent that the effects of the present invention are not impaired. Such component (c) is, for example, a compound that is free of a polymerizable functional group, such as a (meth)acryloyl group, and is free of an ability to sense light having a predetermined wavelength to generate the polymerizing factor (radical). Examples thereof include a sensitizer, a hydrogen donor, an internal addition-type release agent, a surfactant, an antioxidant, a polymer component, an adhesion improver, and other additives. Two or more kinds of the compounds may be incorporated as the component (c).

The sensitizer is a compound to be appropriately added for the purpose of accelerating a polymerization reaction or enhancing a reaction conversion ratio. As the sensitizer, there is given, for example, a sensitizing dye.

The sensitizing dye is a compound that is excited by absorbing light having a specific wavelength to interact with the component (b) serving as a polymerization initiator. The term “interaction” described herein refers to, for example, the transfer of energy or an electron from the sensitizing dye in an excited state to the component (b) serving as a photopolymerization initiator.

Specific examples of the sensitizing dye include, but not limited to, an anthracene derivative, an anthraquinone derivative, a pyrene derivative, a perylene derivative, a carbazole derivative, a benzophenone derivative, a thioxanthone derivative, a xanthone derivative, a coumarin derivative, a phenothiazine derivative, a camphorquinone derivative, an acridine-based dye, a thiopyrylium salt-based dye, a merocyanine-based dye, a quinoline-based dye, a styrylquinoline-based dye, a ketocoumarin-based dye, a thioxanthene-based dye, a xanthene-based dye, an oxonol-based dye, a cyanine-based dye, a rhodamine-based dye, and a pyrylium salt-based dye.

One kind of the sensitizers may be used alone, or two or more kinds thereof may be used as a mixture.

The hydrogen donor is a compound capable of reacting with an initiation radical generated from the component (b) serving as a photopolymerization initiator or the radical of a polymerization growth terminal to generate a more reactive radical. The hydrogen donor is preferably added when the component (b) serving as a photopolymerization initiator is a photoradical generator.

Specific examples of such hydrogen donor include, but not limited to, amine compounds, such as n-butylamine, di-n-butylamine, allylthiourea, triethylamine, triethylenetetramine, a 4,4′-bis(dialkylamino)benzophenone, N,N-dimethylaminobenzoic acid ethyl ester, N,N-dimethylaminobenzoic acid isoamyl ester, pentyl-4-dimethylaminobenzoate, triethanolamine, and N-phenylglycine, mercapto compounds, such as 2-mercapto-N-phenylbenzimidazole and a mercaptopropionic acid ester, sulfur compounds, such as s-benzylisothiuronium-p-toluenesulfinate, and phosphorous compounds, such as tri-n-butylphosphine.

One kind of the hydrogen donors may be used alone, or two or more kinds thereof may be used as a mixture. In addition, the hydrogen donor may have a function as a sensitizer.

In the present invention, the internal addition-type release agent is added to each of the curable compositions for the purpose of reducing an interfacial bonding force between a mold and a resist, i.e., reducing a release force in a releasing step to be described later. The term “internal addition-type” as used herein means that the release agent is added to the curable composition prior to the step of arranging the curable composition.

A hydrocarbon-based surfactant serve as the component (c1) serving as a surfactant that does not significantly change a surface tension in the curable composition (A1), and a fluorine-based surfactant serve as the component (c2) serving as a surfactant that reduces a surface tension in the curable composition (A2) can be used as the internal addition-type release agent. In addition, the internal addition-type release agents of the present invention are free of polymerizability.

As the component (c1) serving as a surfactant that does not significantly change a surface tension in the curable composition (A1), the surfactant which satisfies the formula (1) as follows is preferably selected.

−5%≦{(γ₁−γ₂)/γ₁}≦5%  (1)

(in the formula (1), γ₁ represents a surface tension of the curable composition (A1) at 25° C., and γ₂ represents a surface tension of an evaluation curable composition (A1) at 25° C. In this case, the evaluation curable composition (A1) having the same composition as that of the curable composition (A1) except that the evaluation curable composition is free of the component (c1) serving as a surfactant.)

In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-128134, there is a description of a curable composition using the similar internal addition-type release agents. However, there is a description of a curable composition which use only one kind of the curable composition.

As the component (c2) serving as a surfactant that reduces a surface tension in the curable composition (A2), the surfactant which satisfies the formula (2) as follows is selected.

{(γ₁−γ₂)/γ₁}<=5%  (2)

(in the formula (2), γ₁ represents a surface tension of the curable composition (A2) at 25° C., and γ₂ represents a surface tension of an evaluation curable composition (A2) at 25° C. In this case, the evaluation curable composition (A2) having the same composition as that of the curable composition (A2) except that the evaluation curable composition is free of the component (c2) serving as a surfactant.)

Examples of the fluorine-based surfactant which can be preferably used in the curable composition (A2) include a polyalkylene oxide (such as polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide) adduct of an alcohol having a perfluoroalkyl group, and a polyalkylene oxide (such as polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide) adduct of perfluoropolyether. The fluorine-based surfactant may have, for example, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, an alkyl group, an amino group, or a thiol group on part (for example, as a terminal group) of its molecular structure.

As the fluorine-based surfactant, a commercial product may be used. Examples of the commercial product include MEGAFACE (trademark) F-444, TF-2066, TF-2067, and TF-2068 (all of which are manufactured by DIC Corporation), Fluorad FC-430 and FC-431 (both of which are manufactured by Sumitomo 3M Limited), Surflon (trademark) S-382 (manufactured by AGC), EFTOP EF-122A, 122B, and 122C, EF-121, EF-126, EF-127, and MF-100 (all of which are manufactured by Tohkem Products Corp.), PF-636, PF-6320, PF-656, and PF-6520 (all of which are manufactured by OMNOVA Solutions), UNIDYNE (trademark) DS-401, DS-403, and DS-451 (all of which are manufactured by Daikin Industries, Ltd.), and Ftergent (trademark) 250, 251, 222F, and 208G (all of which are manufactured by Neos Corporation).

The hydrocarbon-based surfactant which can be preferably used in the curable composition (A1) includes, for example, an alkyl alcohol polyalkylene oxide adduct, in which an alkylene oxide having 2 to 4 carbon atoms is added to an alkyl alcohol having 1 to 50 carbon atoms.

Examples of the alkyl alcohol polyalkylene oxide adduct include a methyl alcohol ethylene oxide adduct, a decyl alcohol ethylene oxide adduct, a lauryl alcohol ethylene oxide adduct, a cetyl alcohol ethylene oxide adduct, a stearyl alcohol ethylene oxide adduct, and a stearyl alcohol ethylene oxide/propylene oxide adduct. The terminal group of the alkyl alcohol polyalkylene oxide adduct is not limited to a hydroxyl group, which is simply produced by adding a polyalkylene oxide to an alkyl alcohol. The hydroxyl group may be substituted with another substituent, for example, a polar functional group, such as a carboxyl group, an amino group, a pyridyl group, a thiol group, or a silanol group, or a hydrophobic functional group, such as an alkyl group or an alkoxy group.

As the alkyl alcohol polyalkylene oxide adduct, a commercial product may be used. Examples of the commercial product include polyoxyethylene methyl ether (methyl alcohol ethylene oxide adduct) (BLAUNON MP-400, MP-550, and MP-1000) manufactured by Aoki Oil Industrial Co., Ltd., polyoxyethylene decyl ether (decyl alcohol ethylene oxide adduct) (FINESURF D-1303, D-1305, D-1307, and D-1310) manufactured by Aoki Oil Industrial Co., Ltd., polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (lauryl alcohol ethylene oxide adduct) (BLAUNON EL-1505) manufactured by Aoki Oil Industrial Co., Ltd., polyoxyethylene cetyl ether (cetyl alcohol ethylene oxide adduct) (BLAUNON CH-305 and CH-310) manufactured by Aoki Oil Industrial Co., Ltd., polyoxyethylene stearyl ether (stearyl alcohol ethylene oxide adduct) (BLAUNON SR-705, SR-707, SR-715, SR-720, SR-730, and SR-750) manufactured by Aoki Oil Industrial Co., Ltd., random polymerization-type polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene stearyl ether (BLAUNON SA-50/50 1000R and SA-30/70 2000R) manufactured by Aoki Oil Industrial Co., Ltd., polyoxyethylene methyl ether (Pluriol (trademark) A760E) manufactured by BASF, and polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers (EMULGEN Series) manufactured by Kao Corporation.

Of those hydrocarbon-based surfactants, the alkyl alcohol polyalkylene oxide adduct is preferred as the internal addition-type release agent, and a long-chain alkyl alcohol polyalkylene oxide adduct is more preferred.

One kind of the internal addition-type release agents may be used alone, or two or more kinds thereof may be used as a mixture.

The blending ratio of the internal addition-type release agent, i.e. the component (c) serving as a surfactant, in each of the curable compositions is desirably 0.5 wt % or more and 50 wt % or less with respect to the total weight of the component (a), the component (b), and the component (c), i.e., the total weight of the components of the curable composition except the component (d) serving as a solvent. In addition, the blending ratio is preferably 0.9 wt % or more and 50 wt % or less, more preferably 0.9 wt % or more and 20 wt % or less.

When the curable composition contains 0.5 wt % or more, preferably 0.9 wt % or more of the component (c) serving as a surfactant with respect to the total weight of the component (a), the component (b), and the component (c), releasing performance at the time of the release of the cured film from the mold can be sufficiently exhibited.

In addition, when the blending ratio of the component (c) serving as a surfactant is set to 50 wt % or less with respect to the total weight of the component (a), the component (b), and the component (c), a cured film to be obtained can be turned into a cured film having some degree of mechanical strength.

An organometallic coupling agent is often used as the adhesion improver. For example, a silane coupling agent, a titanium coupling agent, a zirconium coupling agent, an aluminum coupling agent, or a tin coupling agent is used. However, in the present invention, in order that releasability from the mold may be improved, the improver is preferably not incorporated. Even when the improver is incorporated, its content is only from 0 wt % to less than 0.01 wt % with respect to the total weight of the component (a), the component (b), and the component (c), i.e., the total weight of the components of the curable composition except the component (d) serving as a solvent.

<Component (d): Solvent>

The curable compositions according to this embodiment may each contain the component (d) serving as a solvent. The component (d) is not particularly limited as long as the component is a solvent that dissolves the component (a), the component (b), and the component (c). The solvent is preferably a solvent having a boiling point at normal pressure of 80° C. or more and 200° C. or less. The solvent is more preferably a solvent having at least one of an ester structure, a ketone structure, a hydroxyl group, or an ether structure. The solvent is specifically, for example, a single solvent selected from propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, cyclohexanone, 2-heptanone, γ-butyrolactone, and ethyl lactate, or a mixed solvent of two or more kinds thereof.

The curable composition (A1) according to this embodiment preferably contains the component (d1). This is because, as described later, a spin coating method is preferred as a method of applying the curable composition (A1) onto the substrate.

<Temperature at Time of Blending of Curable Composition>

When the curable compositions (A1) and (A2) of this embodiment are prepared, each component is mixed and dissolved under a predetermined temperature condition. Specifically, the preparation is performed in a range of from 0° C. or more to 100° C. or less.

<Viscosity of Curable Composition>

The curable compositions (A1) and (A2) according to this embodiment are preferably liquid. This is because in a mold contacting step to be described later, the spread and fill of the curable composition (A1) and/or the curable composition (A2) are quickly completed, in other words, a filling time is short.

The viscosity of the composition of the components of the curable composition (A1) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent according to this embodiment at 25° C. is preferably 1 mPa·s or more and 1,000 mPa·s or less. In addition, the viscosity is more preferably 1 mPa·s or more and 500 mPa·s or less, still more preferably 1 mPa·s or more and 100 mPa·s or less.

The viscosity of the composition of the components except the component (d2) serving as a solvent of the curable composition (A2) according to this embodiment at 25° C. is preferably 1 mPa·s or more and 100 mPa·s or less. In addition, the viscosity is more preferably 1 mPa·s or more and 50 mPa·s or less, still more preferably 1 mPa·s or more and 12 mPa·s or less.

When the viscosities of the curable compositions (A1) and (A2) are set to 100 mPa·s or less, spread and fill are quickly completed at the time of the bringing of the curable compositions (A1) and (A2) into contact with the mold (S. Reddy, R. T. Bonnecaze/Microelectronic Engineering, 82 (2005) 60-70). In other words, when the curable compositions according to this embodiment are used, a photo-nanoimprint method can be performed at high throughput. In addition, a pattern defect due to a filling failure hardly occurs.

In addition, when the viscosities are set to 1 mPa·s or more, application unevenness hardly occurs at the time of the application of the curable compositions (A1) and (A2) onto the substrate. Further, when the curable compositions (A1) and (A2) are brought into contact with the mold, the curable compositions (A1) and (A2) hardly flow out of an end portion of the mold.

<Surface Tension of Curable Composition>

With regard to the surface tension of each of the curable compositions (A1) and (A2) according to this embodiment, the surface tension of the composition of the components of the curable compositions (A1) and (A2) except the component (d) serving as a solvent at 25° C. is preferably 5 mN/m or more and 70 mN/m or less. In addition, the surface tension is more preferably 7 mN/m or more and 50 mN/m or less, still more preferably 10 mN/m or more and 40 mN/m or less. In this case, as the surface tension becomes higher, e.g., 5 mN/m or more, a stronger capillary force acts, and hence filling (the spread and the fill) is completed within a shorter time period at the time of the bringing of the curable composition (A1) and/or the curable composition (A2) into contact with the mold (S. Reddy, R. T. Bonnecaze/Microelectronic Engineering, 82 (2005) 60-70).

In addition, when the surface tension is set to 70 mN/m or less, a cured film obtained by curing the curable compositions becomes a cured film having surface smoothness.

In this embodiment, the surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1) except the component (d) serving as a solvent is preferably higher than the surface tension of the curable composition (A2) except the component (d) serving as a solvent. This is because of the following reason. Before the mold contacting step, the prespread of the curable composition (A2) is accelerated (droplets spread over a wide range) by a Marangoni effect to be described later, and hence a time period required for spread in the mold contacting step to be described later is shortened. As a result, a filling time is shortened.

The Marangoni effect is a free surface movement phenomenon resulting from a local difference in surface tension between liquids (N. Imaishi/Int. J. Microgravity Sci. No. 31 Supplement 2014 (S5-S12)). The difference in surface tension, in other word, surface energy serves as a driving force to cause such diffusion that a liquid having a low surface tension covers a wider surface. In other words, when the curable composition (A1) having a high surface tension is applied to the entire surface of the substrate and the curable composition (A2) having a low surface tension is dispensed dropwise, the prespread of the curable composition (A2) is accelerated.

In the present invention, with regard to the internal addition-type release agent, a hydrocarbon-based surfactant is mainly used as the component (c1) serving as a surfactant that does not reduce a surface tension in the curable composition (A1). A surfactant satisfying the formula (1) described in the foregoing is preferably used. A fluorine-based surfactant is mainly used as the component (c2) serving as a surfactant that reduces a surface tension in the curable composition (A2). Accordingly, the surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1) except the component (d) serving as a solvent is maintained so as to be higher than the surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A2) except the component (d) serving as a solvent, and hence a sufficient Marangoni effect is exhibited.

<Contact Angle of Curable Composition>

With regard to the contact angle of each of the curable compositions (A1) and (A2) according to this embodiment, the contact angle of the composition of the components of the curable compositions (A1) and (A2) except the component (d) serving as a solvent is preferably 0° or more and 90° or less with respect to each of both the surface of the substrate and the surface of the mold. When the contact angle is more than 90°, a capillary force acts in a negative direction (direction in which a contact interface between the mold and the curable composition is shrunk) in a mold pattern or in a gap between the substrate and the mold, and hence the composition is not filled. The contact angle is particularly preferably 0° or more and 30° or less. As the contact angle becomes lower, a stronger capillary force acts and hence a filling rate increases (S. Reddy, R. T. Bonnecaze/Microelectronic Engineering, 82 (2005) 60-70).

<Impurities Mixed in Curable Composition>

It is preferred that the curable compositions (A1) and (A2) according to this embodiment each be free of impurities to the extent possible. The term “impurities” as used herein refers to components except the component (a), the component (b), the component (c), and the component (d) described above.

Thus, it is preferred that the curable compositions according to this embodiment each be obtained through a purification step. The purification step is preferably filtration using a filter or the like.

When the filtration using a filter is performed, specifically, it is preferred that the component (a) and the component (b) described in the foregoing and additive components to be added as required be mixed, and then the mixture be filtered with a filter having a pore diameter of, for example, 0.001 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less. It is more preferred that the filtration using a filter be performed in a plurality of stages or be repeated a plurality of times. In addition, the filtered liquid may be filtered again. A plurality of filters having different pore diameters may be used to perform the filtration. A filter made of, for example, a polyethylene resin, a polypropylene resin, a fluororesin, or a nylon resin can be used as the filter to be used in the filtration. However, the filter is not particularly limited thereto.

Impurities, such as particles, which are mixed in the curable compositions, can be removed through such purification step. Thus, the impurities, such as the particles, can be prevented from forming unexpected unevenness in the cured film to be obtained after the curable compositions are cured to cause a pattern defect.

When the curable compositions according to this embodiment are used for the manufacture of a semiconductor integrated circuit, it is preferred to avoid the mixing of metal atom-containing impurities (metal impurities) in the curable compositions to the extent possible in order to prevent the operation of a product from being inhibited. In this case, the concentration of the metal impurities in the curable compositions is preferably 10 ppm or less, more preferably 100 ppb or less.

[Pattern Forming Method]

Next, a pattern forming method according to this embodiment is described with reference to the schematic sectional views of FIGS. 2A through 2G and FIGS. 4A and 4B.

The pattern forming method according to this embodiment is one mode of the photo-nanoimprint method. The pattern forming method of this embodiment includes:

the first laying step (1) of laying the curable composition (A1) 202 of this embodiment described in the foregoing on the substrate 201;

the second laying step (2) of laying the curable composition (A2) 203 on the layer of the curable composition (A1) 202;

the mold contacting step (3) of sandwiching the mixture layer obtained by partially mixing the curable composition (A1) 202 and the curable composition (A2) 203 between the mold 205 having a pattern and the substrate 201;

the light irradiating step (4) of irradiating the mixture layer with the irradiating light 206 from the side of the mold 205 to cure the layer; and

the releasing step (5) of releasing the mold 205 from the cured film 207 formed of the curable compositions after the curing.

A cured film obtained by the method of producing a cured film having a pattern shape according to this embodiment is preferably a film having a pattern having a size of 1 nm or more and 10 mm or less. In addition, the cured film is more preferably a film having a pattern having a size of 10 nm or more and 100 μm or less. In general, a pattern forming technology for producing a film having a pattern (uneven structure) of a nanosize (1 nm or more and 100 nm or less) through the use of light is called a photo-nanoimprint method. The pattern forming method according to this embodiment uses the photo-nanoimprint method.

Each step is hereinafter described.

<First Laying Step (1)>

In this step (first laying step), as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the curable composition (A1) 202 according to this embodiment described in the foregoing is laid (applied) onto the substrate 201 to form an applied film. After the curable composition (A1) 202 is laid (applied) onto the substrate 201 to form the applied film, the component (d1) serving as a solvent is volatilized. Accordingly, a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1) 202 except the component (d1) serving as a solvent is remained on the substrate 201.

The substrate 201 on which the curable composition (A1) 202 is to be arranged is a substrate to be processed, and a silicon wafer is typically used. A layer to be processed may be formed on the substrate 201. Another layer may be further formed between the substrate 201 and the layer to be processed. In addition, when a quartz substrate is used as the substrate 201, a replica of a quartz imprint mold (mold replica) can be produced.

In the present invention, however, the substrate 201 is not limited to the silicon wafer and the quartz substrate. The substrate 201 can be arbitrarily selected from substrates known as substrates for semiconductor devices, such as aluminum, a titanium-tungsten alloy, an aluminum-silicon alloy, an aluminum-copper-silicon alloy, silicon oxide, and silicon nitride.

The adhesiveness of the surface of the substrate 201 (substrate to be processed) to be used or of the layer to be processed with each of the curable compositions (A1) 202 and (A2) 203 may be improved by a surface treatment, such as a silane coupling treatment, a silazane treatment, or the formation of an organic thin film.

In this embodiment, as a method of arranging the curable composition (A1) 202 on the substrate 201 or the layer to be processed, there may be used, for example, an ink jet method, a dip coating method, an air knife coating method, a curtain coating method, a wire bar coating method, a gravure coating method, an extrusion coating method, a spin coating method, or a slit scan method. In the present invention, a spin coating method is particularly preferred.

When the curable composition (A1) 202 is arranged on the substrate 201 or the layer to be processed by using the spin coating method, the component (d) serving as a solvent may be volatilized by performing a baking step as required.

The average thickness of the curable composition (A1) 202, which varies depending on applications where the composition is used, is, for example, 0.1 nm or more and 10,000 nm or less, preferably 1 nm or more and 20 nm or less, particularly preferably 1 nm or more and 10 nm or less.

<Second Laying Step (2)>

In this step (second laying step), as illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 2D, droplets of the curable composition (A2) 203 are preferably dispensed dropwise discretely and arranged on the layer of the curable composition (A1) 202. The inkjet method is particularly preferred as a method for the arrangement. The droplets of the curable composition (A2) 203 are densely arranged on a substrate 201 facing a region where groove portions are densely present on the mold 205, and are sparsely arranged on a substrate 201 facing a region where groove portions are sparsely present. Thus, the thickness of a remaining film to be described later can be controlled to a uniform value irrespective of the density of a pattern on the mold 205.

<Mold Contacting Step (3)>

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 2E, the mold 205 having a template pattern for transferring a pattern shape is brought into contact with a layer of a liquid obtained by partially mixing the curable composition (A1) 202 and the curable composition (A2) 203, the liquid being formed in the previous steps (first and second laying steps). Thus, a groove portion of a fine pattern on the surface of the mold 205 is filled with the liquid obtained by partially mixing the curable composition (A1) 202 and the curable composition (A2) 203, and hence a liquid film filled into the fine pattern of the mold 205 is obtained.

The mold 205 that is formed of an optically transparent material is desirably used as the mold 205 considering the next step (light irradiating step). Preferred specific examples of the material for forming the mold 205 include: glass, quartz, an optically transparent resin, such as PMMA or a polycarbonate resin, a transparent metal-deposited film, a flexible film made of polydimethylsiloxane or the like, a photocured film, and a metal film. In the case of using the optically transparent resin as the material for forming the mold 205, it is necessary to select a resin that does not dissolve in a component contained in the curable composition. Quartz is particularly preferred as the material for forming the mold 205 because of its small thermal expansion coefficient and small pattern deformation.

The fine pattern on the surface of the mold 205 preferably has a pattern height of 4 nm or more and 200 nm or less.

As the pattern height becomes lower, the force by which the mold 205 is peeled from the cured film 207 of a resist in the releasing step, i.e., a release force reduces, and the number of release defects remaining on a mask side owing to the tearing-off of a resist pattern in association with the release reduces. Adjacent resist patterns are brought into contact with each other by the elastic deformation of the resist patterns due to an impact at the time of the peeling of the mold 205, and hence the resist patterns adhere to each other or are damaged in some cases. However, when the pattern height is about twice or less as large as a pattern width (an aspect ratio is 2 or less), there is a high possibility that such inconveniences can be avoided. Meanwhile, when the pattern height is excessively low, the processing accuracy of the substrate 201 (substrate to be processed) is low.

The mold 205 may be subjected to a surface treatment before this step, which is a mold contacting step of the curable compositions (A1) 202 and (A2) 203 and the mold 205, so as to enhance the releasability between the curable compositions (A1) 202 and (A2) 203 and the surface of the mold 205. As a method for the surface treatment, there is given a method involving forming a release agent layer by applying a release agent onto the surface of the mold 205. In this case, examples of the release agent to be applied onto the surface of the mold 205 include a silicon-based release agent, a fluorine-based release agent, a hydrocarbon-based release agent, a polyethylene-based release agent, a polypropylene-based release agent, a paraffin-based release agent, a montan-based release agent, and a carnauba-based release agent. For example, a commercially available application-type release agent such as OPTOOL (trademark) DSX manufactured by Daikin Industries, Ltd. can be suitably used. One kind of the release agents may be used alone, or two or more kinds thereof may be used in combination. Of those, fluorine-based and hydrocarbon-based release agents are particularly preferred.

A pressure to be applied to the curable compositions (A1) 202 and (A2) 203 when the mold 205 and the curable compositions (A1) 202 and (A2) 203 are brought into contact with each other in this step (mold contacting step) as illustrated in FIG. 2E is not particularly limited. The pressure is desirably set to 0 MPa or more and 100 MPa or less. In addition, the pressure is preferably 0 MPa or more and 50 MPa or less, more preferably 0 MPa or more and 30 MPa or less, still more preferably 0 MPa or more and 20 MPa or less.

In the present invention, the prespread of the droplets of the curable composition (A2) 203 has progressed in the previous step (second laying step), and hence the spread of the curable composition (A2) 203 in this step is quickly completed. In a boundary region between the droplets of the curable composition (A2) 203, the spread is finally completed and the concentration of the curable composition (A1) 202 is high. However, as described in the foregoing, the contact angle of the curable composition (A1) 202 is low and hence the fill is quickly completed in the region as well.

As described above, the spread and fill of the curable compositions (A1) 202 and (A2) 203 are quickly completed in this step, and hence the time period for which the mold 205, and the curable compositions (A1) 202 and (A2) 203 are brought into contact with each other can be set to be short. In other words, one of the effects of the present invention is as follows: many pattern forming steps can be completed within a short time period, and hence high productivity is obtained. The time period for which the mold 205 and the compositions (A1) 202 and (A2) 203 are brought into contact with each other, which is not particularly limited, is desirably set to, for example, 0.1 second or more and 600 seconds or less. In addition, the time period is preferably 0.1 second or more and 3 seconds or less, particularly preferably 0.1 second or more and 1 second or less. When the time period is shorter than 0.1 second, the following tendency is observed: the spread and the fill become insufficient, and hence many defects called non-filling defects occur.

This step can be performed under any condition of an air atmosphere, a reduced pressure atmosphere, and an inert gas atmosphere. Of those atmospheres, a reduced pressure atmosphere or an inert gas atmosphere is preferred because an influence of oxygen or moisture on a curing reaction can be prevented. When this step is performed under an inert gas atmosphere, specific examples of the inert gas that can be used include nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, argon, various fluorocarbon gases, and a mixed gas thereof. A preferred pressure when this step is performed under a particular gas atmosphere including an air atmosphere is 0.0001 atm or more and 10 atm or less.

The mold contacting step may be performed under an atmosphere containing a condensable gas (hereinafter referred to as “condensable gas atmosphere”). The term “condensable gas” as used herein refers to the following gas: when the gas in the atmosphere is filled into a groove portion of the fine pattern formed on the mold 205, and the gap between the mold 205 and the substrate 201 together with the curable compositions (A1) 202 and (A2) 203, the gas is condensed by a capillary pressure generated at the time of the filling to liquefy. The condensable gas is present as a gas in the atmosphere before the curable compositions (A1) 202 and (A2) 203, and the mold 205 are brought into contact with each other in the mold contacting step (see FIGS. 1D and 1DA).

When the mold contacting step is performed under the condensable gas atmosphere, the gas filled into a groove portion of the fine pattern is liquefied by a capillary pressure generated by the curable compositions (A1) 202 and (A2) 203, and hence air bubbles disappear. Accordingly, a filling property becomes excellent. The condensable gas may dissolve in the curable composition (A1) 202 and/or the curable composition (A2) 203.

The boiling point of the condensable gas, which is not limited as long as the boiling point is equal to or less than the ambient temperature of the mold contacting step, is preferably from −10° C. to 25° C., more preferably from 10° C. to 25° C. When the boiling point falls within the range, the filling property is more excellent.

The vapor pressure of the condensable gas at the ambient temperature in the mold contacting step, which is not limited as long as the vapor pressure is equal to or less than a pressure to be applied to the curable compositions (A1) 202 and (A2) 203 when the mold 205 and the curable compositions (A1) 202 and (A2) 203 are brought into contact with each other when impression is performed in the mold contacting step, is preferably from 0.1 MPa to 0.4 MPa. When the vapor pressure falls within the range, the filling property is more excellent. When the vapor pressure at the ambient temperature is more than 0.4 MPa, the following tendency is observed: an air bubble disappearing effect cannot be sufficiently obtained. On the other hand, when the vapor pressure at the ambient temperature is less than 0.1 MPa, the following tendency is observed: decompression is needed and hence an apparatus becomes complicated.

The ambient temperature in the mold contacting step, which is not particularly limited, is preferably from 20° C. to 25° C.

Specific examples of the condensable gas include fluorocarbons, such as: a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), such as trichlorofluoromethane; a fluorocarbon (FC); a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC); a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), such as 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (CHF₂CH₂CF₃, HFC-245fa, PFP); and a hydrofluoroether (HFE), such as pentafluoroethyl methyl ether (CF₃CF₂OCH₃, HFE-245mc).

Of those, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (vapor pressure at 23° C.: 0.14 MPa, boiling point: 15° C.), trichlorofluoromethane (vapor pressure at 23° C.: 0.1056 MPa, boiling point: 24° C.), and pentafluoroethyl methyl ether are preferred from such a viewpoint that when the ambient temperature in the mold contacting step is from 20° C. to 25° C., the filling property is excellent. Further, 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane is particularly preferred from the viewpoint of being excellent in safety.

One kind of the condensable gases may be used alone, or two or more kinds thereof may be used as a mixture. In addition, any such condensable gas may be mixed with a non-condensable gas, such as air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, or argon, before use. The non-condensable gas with which the condensable gas is mixed is preferably helium from the viewpoint of the filling property. Helium can permeate the mold 205. Accordingly, when the gases (the condensable gas and helium) in the atmosphere are filled into a groove portion of the fine pattern formed on the mold 205 in the mold contacting step together with the curable composition (A1) 202 and/or the curable composition (A2) 203, the condensable gas liquefies and helium permeates the mold 205.

<Light Irradiating Step (4)>

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 2F, a mixture layer obtained by partially mixing the curable composition (A1) 202 and the curable composition (A2) 203 is irradiated with irradiation light 206 through the mold 205. In more detail, the curable composition (A1) 202 and/or the curable composition (A2) 203 filled into the fine pattern of the mold 205 are/is irradiated with the irradiation light 206 through the mold 205. Thus, the curable composition (A1) 202 and/or the curable composition (A2) 203 filled into the fine pattern of the mold 205 are/is cured by the irradiation light 206 to become the cured film 207 having a pattern shape.

In this case, the irradiation light 206 with which the curable composition (A1) 202 and/or the curable composition (A2) 203 filled into the fine pattern of the mold 205 are/is irradiated is selected depending on the sensitive wavelengths of the curable compositions (A1) 202 and (A2) 203. Specifically, it is preferred that UV light having a wavelength of 150 nm or more and 400 nm or less, an X-ray, an electron beam, or the like be appropriately selected and used.

Of those, the irradiation light 206 is particularly preferably UV light. This is because many of the compounds commercially available as curing aids (photopolymerization initiators) have sensitivity to UV light. In this case, examples of the light source of UV light include a high-pressure mercury lamp, an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, a low-pressure mercury lamp, a Deep-UV lamp, a carbon arc lamp, a chemical lamp, a metal halide lamp, a xenon lamp, a KrF excimer laser, an ArF excimer laser, and a F₂ excimer laser. Of those, an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp is particularly preferred. In addition, the number of the light sources to be used may be one or two or more. Further, the entire surface of the curable composition (A1) 202 and/or the curable composition (A2) 203 filled into the fine pattern of the mold 205 may be irradiated with light, or a part of the surface thereof may be irradiated with light.

In addition, the light irradiation may be performed on an entire region on the substrate 201 intermittently a plurality of times, or may be continuously performed on the entire region. In the present invention, as described in the foregoing, as a result of the partial mixing of the curable composition (A1) 202 and the curable composition (A2) 203, the component (b2) serving as a photopolymerization initiator of the curable composition (A2) 203 migrates to the curable composition (A1) 202, and hence the curable composition (A1) 202 obtains photosensitivity. Accordingly, both the curable compositions (A1) 202 and (A2) 203 are cured by the irradiation light 206 with which the compositions are irradiated to turn into the cured film 207 having a pattern shape. The cured film 207 is formed of the cured film 2017 containing a large amount of the curable composition (A1) 202 and the cured film 2072 containing a large amount of the curable composition (A2) 203.

In the light irradiating step (4), leaking light, in other words, the diffusion of the light to the outside of the shot region is inevitable in terms of restrictions on costs for the mold 205 and an apparatus. In the present invention, it is preferred that the curable composition (A1) 202 be substantially free of photoreactivity. When the blending ratio of the component (b1) in the curable composition (A1) 202 is set to less than 0.1 wt % with respect to the total of the component (a1), the component (b1), and the component (c1), the curable composition (A1) 202 is substantially free of photoreactivity, and hence a problem in that the curable composition (A1) 202 laid outside the shot region is photocured by the irradiation light 206 leaking to the outside of the shot region can be prevented.

<Releasing Step (5)>

Next, the cured film 207 having a pattern shape and the mold 205 are released from each other. In this step (releasing step), as illustrated in FIG. 2G, the cured film 207 having a pattern shape and the mold 205 are released from each other, and hence the cured film 207 having a pattern shape serving as the reverse pattern of the fine pattern formed on the mold 205, the film being formed in the step (4) (light irradiating step), is obtained in an independent state. A cured film remains in a groove portion of the grove/land pattern of the cured film 207 having a pattern shape, and the film is called a remaining film 108 (see FIG. 1FA).

When a release agent formed of the component (c1) serving as a surfactant that does not reduce a surface tension, or mainly a hydrocarbon-based surfactant is incorporated into the curable composition (A1) 202, and an internal addition-type release agent formed of the component (c2) serving as a surfactant that reduces a surface tension, or mainly a fluorine-based surfactant is incorporated into the curable composition (A2) 203, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a desired pattern is formed without the breakage of the cured film 2072 containing a large amount of the curable composition (A2) 203 and the cured film 2071 containing a large amount of the curable composition (A1) 202. In addition, the broken cured film 2071″ does not remain in the mold 205 and hence an influence on the next shot is eliminated.

When the mold contacting step is performed under the condensable gas atmosphere, the condensable gas vaporizes in association with a reduction in pressure of the interface at which the cured film 207 and the mold 205 are in contact with each other at the time of the release of the cured film 207 and the mold 205 in the releasing step. Thus, a reducing effect on the release force serving as a force needed for releasing the cured film 207 and the mold 205 from each other tends to be exhibited.

A method of releasing the cured film 207 having a pattern shape and the mold 205 from each other is not particularly limited as long as part of the cured film 207 having a pattern shape is not physically damaged at the time of the release, and various conditions and the like are also not particularly limited. For example, the following may be performed: the substrate 201 (substrate to be processed) is fixed and the mold 205 is peeled by being moved so as to recede from the substrate 201. Alternatively, the following may be performed: the mold 205 is fixed and the substrate 201 is peeled by being moved so as to recede from the mold 205. Alternatively, both the substrate and the mold 205 may be peeled from each other by being pulled in directions diametrically opposite to each other.

A cured film 207 having a desired groove/land pattern shape (pattern shape associated with the groove/land shape of the mold 205) at a desired position can be obtained by a series of steps (production process) including the step (1) to the step (5).

The method of producing a film having a pattern shape of this embodiment enables the following: the curable composition (A1) 202 is collectively laid on most of the surface of the substrate 201 in the step (1), and a repeating unit (shot) including the step (2) to the step (5) is repeatedly performed on the same substrate a plurality of times. In addition, the step (1) to the step (5) may be repeatedly performed on the same substrate a plurality of times. When the repeating unit (shot) including the step (1) to the step (5) or of the step (2) to the step (5) is repeated a plurality of times, a cured film 207 having a plurality of desired groove/land pattern shapes (pattern shapes associated with the groove/land shape of the mold 205) at desired positions of the substrate 201 (substrate to be processed) can be obtained.

The substrate 201 (substrate to be processed) or the layer to be processed on the substrate 201 (substrate to be processed) can be processed into a pattern shape by using: the cured film 207 having a pattern shape obtained through the step (1) to the step (5), the film serving as a mask; and a processing method, such as etching. In addition, after the layer to be processed has been further formed on the cured film 207 having a pattern shape, pattern transfer may be performed by using a processing method, such as etching. Thus, a circuit structure based on the pattern shape of the cured film 207 having the pattern shape can be formed on the substrate 201. Thus, a circuit board to be utilized in a semiconductor element or the like can be produced. In addition, an electronic instrument, such as a display, a camera, or a medical apparatus, can be formed by connecting the circuit board and, for example, a circuit control mechanism for a circuit board. Examples of the semiconductor element as used herein include a LSI, a system LSI, a DRAM, a SDRAM, a RDRAM, a D-RDRAM, and a NAND flash.

An optical component can also be obtained by utilizing the cured film 207 having a pattern shape obtained through the step (1) to the step (5) as an optical member, such as a diffraction grating or a polarizing plate (the case where the film is used as one member of the optical member is included). In such case, an optical component having at least the substrate 201 and the cured film 207 having a pattern shape on the substrate 201 can be obtained.

In addition, a quartz replica of a quartz imprint mold (mold replica) can be produced by: producing the cured film 207 having a pattern shape through the use of a quartz substrate as the substrate 201 and through the step (1) to the step (5); and performing pattern transfer through the use of a processing method, such as etching.

<Set of Imprint Pretreatment Coating Material and Imprint Resist>

Another aspect of the present invention that described above is to provide an imprint pretreatment coating material which forms a liquid film as pretreatment coating on a substrate and promotes spreading of components of liquid droplets of an imprint resist in the plane of the substrate when the liquid droplets are dispensed onto the liquid film.

In other words, the present invention includes the imprint pretreatment coating material consisting of the curable composition (A1) which forms a liquid film as pretreatment coating on a substrate and promotes spreading of components of liquid droplets in the plane of the substrate when the liquid droplets consisting of the curable composition (A2) are dispensed onto the liquid film, wherein the imprint pretreatment coating material includes 0.5 wt % or more of a component (c1) serving as a surfactant, and the component (c1) does not significantly change a surface tension in comparison with a component (c2) serving as a surfactant.

As the component (c1) serving as a surfactant that does not significantly change a surface tension in imprint pretreatment coating material, the surfactant which satisfies the formula (1) as follows is preferably selected.

−5%≦{(γ₁−γ₂)/γ₁}≦5%  (1)

(in the formula (1), γ₁ represents a surface tension of the imprint pretreatment coating material at 25° C., and γ₂ represents a surface tension of an evaluation imprint pretreatment coating material at 25° C. In this case, the evaluation imprint pretreatment coating material having the same composition as that of the imprint pretreatment coating material except that the evaluation composition is free of the surfactant.)

It is preferred that the surface tension of the imprint pretreatment coating material be higher than the surface tension of the imprint resist.

Particularly, it is more preferred that the surface tension of a composition of the components of the imprint pretreatment coating material except the solvent be higher than the surface tension of a composition of the components the imprint resist except the solvent.

Due to the above property, when the liquid droplets are added on the liquid film as pretreatment coating on the substrate, spreading of the components of the liquid droplets in the plane of the substrate is promoted to thereby realize favorable imprint.

Preferably, such the imprint pretreatment coating material is provided as a set with the imprint resist.

That is, such a set fulfills the relation that the surface tension of the composition of the components of the imprint pretreatment coating material except the solvent is higher than the surface tension of the composition of the components of the imprint resist except the solvent is provided for realizing favorable imprint.

Particularly, it is more preferable that the set fulfills the relation that the difference between surface tension of the composition of the components of the imprint pretreatment coating material except the solvent and the surface tension of the composition of the components of the imprint resist except the solvent is 1 mN/m or more and 25 mN/m or less.

A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of pretreating a substrate for favorable imprint, the method comprising coating the substrate with the imprint pretreatment coating material.

In addition, the present invention further includes a method for forming a pattern on a substrate. In the pattern forming method of the present invention, a resist is dispensed dropwise discretely onto a substrate coated with the imprint pretreatment coating material to thereby promote spreading of components of the resist in the plane of the substrate, whereby the time required for imprint processing can be reduced.

EXAMPLES

The present invention is hereinafter described in more detail by way of Examples, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to Examples to be described below. The terms “part(s)” and “%” to be used below are by weight in all cases unless otherwise stated.

Example 1

(1) Preparation of Curable Composition (A1-1)

A component (a1), a component (b1), a component (c1), and a component (d1) described below were blended, and the blend was filtered with a 0.2-micrometer filter made of ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene to prepare a curable composition (A1-1) of Example 1.

(1-1) Component (a1):

-   -   94 parts by weight in total

Isobornyl acrylate (manufactured by Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name: IB-XA):

-   -   9 parts by weight

Benzyl acrylate (manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd., trade name: V*160):

-   -   38 parts by weight

Neopentyl glycol diacrylate (manufactured by Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name: NP-A):

-   -   47 parts by weight

(1-2) Component (b1):

-   -   0 parts by weight in total

The component (b1) was not added.

(1-3) Component (c1):

-   -   1.1 parts by weight in total

Polyoxyethylene stearyl ether (EO 5 mol aduct) (manufactured by Aoki Oil Industrial Co., Ltd., trade name: BLAUNON SR-705):

-   -   1.1 parts by weight

(1-4) Component (d1):

-   -   33,000 parts by weight in total

Propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., abbreviation: PGMEA):

33,000 parts by weight

(2) Measurement of Surface Tension of Curable Composition (A1-1)

The surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-1) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent at 25° C. was measured with an automatic surface tension meter DY-300 (manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.) by a plate method involving using a platinum plate. As a result, the surface tension was 33.1 mN/m. The measurement was performed under the conditions of a number of times of the measurement of 5 and a prewet immersion distance of the platinum plate of 0.35 mm. The first measured value was excluded, and the average of the second to fifth measured values was defined as the surface tension.

In addition, the surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-1) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent and the component (c1) was measured. As a result, the surface tension was 32.6 mN/m.

The ratio (γ₁−γ₂)/γ₂ was calculated to be (33.1−32.6)/33.1=0.015. Accordingly, the ratio was within ±5% and hence the formula (1) was able to be satisfied.

(3) Preparation of Curable Composition (A2-1)

A component (a2), a component (b2), a component (c2), and a component (d2) described below were blended, and the blend was filtered with a 0.2-micrometer filter made of ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene to prepare a curable composition (A2-1) of Example 1.

(3-1) Component (a2):

-   -   94 parts by weight in total

Isobornyl acrylate (manufactured by Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name: IB-XA):

-   -   9 parts by weight

Benzyl acrylate (manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd., trade name: V*160):

-   -   38 parts by weight

Neopentyl glycol diacrylate (manufactured by Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name: NP-A):

-   -   47 parts by weight

(3-2) Component (b2):

-   -   3 parts by weight in total

Irgacure 369 (manufactured by BASF, abbreviation: 1.369):

-   -   3 parts by weight

(3-3) Component (c2):

-   -   1.1 parts by weight in total

Pentadecaethylene glycol mono 1H,1H,2H,2H,-perfluorooctyl ether (F(CF₂)₆CH₂CH₂(OCH₂CH₂)₁₅OH) (manufactured by DIC Corporation, abbreviation: DEO-15):

-   -   1.1 parts by weight

(3-4) Component (d2):

-   -   0 parts by weight in total

The component (d2) was not added.

(4) Measurement of Surface Tension of Curable Composition (A2-1)

The surface tension of the curable composition (A2-1) was measured by the same method as that of the curable composition (A1-1). As a result, the surface tension was 29.1 mN/m.

(5) Photo-Nanoimprint Process

A film of the curable composition (A1-1) having a thickness of from about 5 nm to about 10 nm can be obtained by applying the curable composition (A1-1) onto a silicon substrate with a spin coater.

One-picoliter droplets of the curable composition (A2-1) can be arranged discretely on the film of the curable composition (A1-1) by using an inkjet method. A droplet amount is set to, for example, such an amount that the average thickness of a cured film becomes about 50 nm. At this time, the surface tension of the curable composition (A1-1) arranged in the lower layer is higher than the surface tension of the curable composition (A2-1) dispensed dropwise in the upper layer, and hence the Marangoni effect is expressed and the expansion (prespread) of the droplets of the curable composition (A2-1) is quick.

In the second laying step and the mold contacting step, the curable composition (A1-1) and the curable composition (A2-1) mix with each other, and the component (b2) serving as a photopolymerization initiator migrates from the curable composition (A2-1) to the curable composition (A1-1). Accordingly, the curable composition (A1-1) obtains photopolymerizability. And then, in the light irradiating step, the mixture of the curable composition (A1-1) and the curable composition (A2-1) satisfactorily cures.

When a cured film formed of the mixture of the curable composition (A1-1) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a hydrocarbon-based surfactant and the curable composition (A2-1) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a fluorine-based surfactant contains the release agents so that their amounts may be equal to each other, a desired pattern is formed without the breakage of the cured film. In addition, the cured film does not remain in a mold and hence an influence on the next shot is eliminated. The same holds true for an effect by the avoidance of the incorporation of an adhesion improver.

That is, a photo-nanoimprint process by which processing can be performed at high throughput and with high accuracy can be provided.

Example 2

(1) Curable Composition (A1-2)

A component (a1), a component (b1), a component (c1), and a component (d1) described below were blended, and the blend was filtered with a 0.2-micrometer filter made of ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene to prepare a curable composition (A1-2) of Example 2.

(1-1) Component (a1):

-   -   94 parts by weight in total

The same formulation as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(1-2) Component (b1):

-   -   0 parts by weight in total

The component (b1) was not added in the same manner as in Example 1.

(1-3) Component (c1):

-   -   1.1 parts by weight in total

Polyoxyethylene stearyl ether (EO 15 mol aduct) (manufactured by Aoki Oil Industrial Co., Ltd., trade name: BLAUNON SR-715):

-   -   1.1 parts by weight

(1-4) Component (d1):

-   -   33,000 parts by weight in total

The same component as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(2) Measurement of Surface Tension of Curable Composition (A1-2)

The surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-2) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent at 25° C. was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the surface tension was 32.9 mN/m.

In addition, the surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-2) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent and the component (c1) was measured. As a result, the surface tension was 32.6 mN/m.

The ratio (γ₁−γ₂)/γ₁ was calculated to be (32.9−32.6)/32.9=0.009. Accordingly, the ratio was within ±5% and hence the formula (1) was able to be satisfied.

(3) to (4) Curable Composition (A2-2)

The same composition as that of Example 1 was used as a curable composition (A2-2).

(5) Photo-Nanoimprint Process

As in Example 1, the surface tension of the curable composition (A1-2) arranged in the lower layer is higher than the surface tension of the curable composition (A2-2) dispensed dropwise in the upper layer, and hence the Marangoni effect is expressed and the expansion (prespread) of the droplets of the curable composition (A2-2) is quick.

As in Example 1, in the light irradiating step, the mixture of the curable composition (A1-2) and the curable composition (A2-2) satisfactorily cures.

As in Example 1, when a cured film formed of the mixture of the curable composition (A1-2) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a hydrocarbon-based surfactant and the curable composition (A2-2) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a fluorine-based surfactant contains the release agents so that their amounts may be equal to each other, a desired pattern is formed without the breakage of the cured film. In addition, the cured film does not remain in a mold and hence an influence on the next shot is eliminated. The same holds true for an effect by the avoidance of the incorporation of an adhesion improver.

That is, a photo-nanoimprint process by which processing can be performed at high throughput and with high accuracy can be provided.

Example 3

(1) Curable Composition (A1-3)

A component (a1), a component (b1), a component (c1), and a component (d1) described below were blended, and the blend was filtered with a 0.2-micrometer filter made of ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene to prepare a curable composition (A1-3) of Example 3.

(1-1) Component (a1):

-   -   94 parts by weight in total

The same formulation as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(1-2) Component (b1):

-   -   0 parts by weight in total

The component (b1) was not added in the same manner as in Example 1.

(1-3) Component (c1):

-   -   1.1 parts by weight in total

Polyoxyethylene stearyl ether (EO 30 mol aduct) (manufactured by Aoki Oil Industrial Co., Ltd., trade name: BLAUNON SR-730):

-   -   1.1 parts by weight

(1-4) Component (d1):

-   -   33,000 parts by weight in total

The same component as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(2) Measurement of Surface Tension of Curable Composition (A1-3)

The surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-3) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent at 25° C. was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the surface tension was 33.0 mN/m.

In addition, the surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-3) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent and the component (c1) was measured. As a result, the surface tension was 32.6 mN/m.

The ratio (γ₁−γ₂)/γ₁ was calculated to be (33.0−32.6)/33.0=0.012. Accordingly, the ratio was within ±5% and hence the formula (1) was able to be satisfied.

(3) to (4) Curable Composition (A2-3)

The same composition as that of Example 1 was used as a curable composition (A2-3).

(5) Photo-Nanoimprint Process

As in Example 1, the surface tension of the curable composition (A1-3) arranged in the lower layer is higher than the surface tension of the curable composition (A2-3) dispensed dropwise in the upper layer, and hence the Marangoni effect is expressed and the expansion (prespread) of the droplets of the curable composition (A2-3) is quick.

As in Example 1, in the light irradiating step, the mixture of the curable composition (A1-3) and the curable composition (A2-3) satisfactorily cures.

As in Example 1, when a cured film formed of the mixture of the curable composition (A1-3) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a hydrocarbon-based surfactant and the curable composition (A2-3) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a fluorine-based surfactant contains the release agents so that their amounts may be equal to each other, a desired pattern is formed without the breakage of the cured film. In addition, the cured film does not remain in a mold and hence an influence on the next shot is eliminated. The same holds true for an effect by the avoidance of the incorporation of an adhesion improver.

That is, a photo-nanoimprint process by which processing can be performed at high throughput and with high accuracy can be provided.

Example 4

(1) Curable Composition (A1-4)

A component (a1), a component (b1), a component (c1), and a component (d1) described below were blended, and the blend was filtered with a 0.2-micrometer filter made of ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene to prepare a curable composition (A1-4) of Example 4.

(1-1) Component (a1):

-   -   94 parts by weight in total

The same formulation as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(1-2) Component (b1):

-   -   0 parts by weight in total

The component (b1) was not added in the same manner as in Example 1.

(1-3) Component (c1):

-   -   1.1 parts by weight in total         Polyoxyethylene stearyl ether (EO 50 mol aduct) (manufactured by         Aoki Oil Industrial Co., Ltd., trade name: BLAUNON SR-750):     -   1.1 parts by weight

(1-4) Component (d1):

-   -   33,000 parts by weight in total

The same component as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(2) Measurement of Surface Tension of Curable Composition (A1-4)

The surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-4) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent at 25° C. was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the surface tension was 32.9 mN/m.

In addition, the surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-4) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent and the component (c1) was measured. As a result, the surface tension was 32.6 mN/m.

The ratio (γ₁−γ₂)/γ₁ was calculated to be (32.9−32.6)/32.9=0.009. Accordingly, the ratio was within ±5% and hence the formula (1) was able to be satisfied.

(3) to (4) Curable Composition (A2-4)

The same composition as that of Example 1 was used as a curable composition (A2-4).

(5) Photo-Nanoimprint Process

As in Example 1, the surface tension of the curable composition (A1-4) arranged in the lower layer is higher than the surface tension of the curable composition (A2-4) dispensed dropwise in the upper layer, and hence the Marangoni effect is expressed and the expansion (prespread) of the droplets of the curable composition (A2-4) is quick.

As in Example 1, in the light irradiating step, the mixture of the curable composition (A1-4) and the curable composition (A2-4) satisfactorily cures.

As in Example 1, when a cured film formed of the mixture of the curable composition (A1-4) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a hydrocarbon-based surfactant and the curable composition (A2-4) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a fluorine-based surfactant contains the release agents so that their amounts may be equal to each other, a desired pattern is formed without the breakage of the cured film. In addition, the cured film does not remain in a mold and hence an influence on the next shot is eliminated. The same holds true for an effect by the avoidance of the incorporation of an adhesion improver.

That is, a photo-nanoimprint process by which processing can be performed at high throughput and with high accuracy can be provided.

Example 5

(1) Curable Composition (A1-5)

A component (a1), a component (b1), a component (c1), and a component (d1) described below were blended, and the blend was filtered with a 0.2-micrometer filter made of ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene to prepare a curable composition (A1-5) of Example 5.

(1-1) Component (a1):

-   -   94 parts by weight in total

The same formulation as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(1-2) Component (b1):

-   -   0 parts by weight in total

The component (b1) was not added in the same manner as in Example 1.

(1-3) Component (c1):

-   -   1.1 parts by weight in total         Nonionic alkyl-based surfactant (manufactured by Aoki Oil         Industrial Co., Ltd., trade name: BLAUNON SA-30/70 2000R         molecular weight 2000):     -   1.1 parts by weight

(1-4) Component (d1):

-   -   33,000 parts by weight in total

The same component as that of Example 1 was adopted.

-   -   (2) Measurement of Surface Tension of Curable Composition (A1-5)

The surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-5) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent at 25° C. was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the surface tension was 33.1 mN/m.

In addition, the surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-5) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent and the component (c1) was measured. As a result, the surface tension was 32.6 mN/m.

The ratio (γ₁−γ₂)/γ₂ was calculated to be (33.1−32.6)/33.1=0.015. Accordingly, the ratio was within ±5% and hence the formula (1) was able to be satisfied.

(3) to (4) Curable Composition (A2-5)

The same composition as that of Example 1 was used as a curable composition (A2-5).

(5) Photo-Nanoimprint Process

As in Example 1, the surface tension of the curable composition (A1-5) arranged in the lower layer is higher than the surface tension of the curable composition (A2-5) dispensed dropwise in the upper layer, and hence the Marangoni effect is expressed and the expansion (prespread) of the droplets of the curable composition (A2-5) is quick.

As in Example 1, in the light irradiating step, the mixture of the curable composition (A1-5) and the curable composition (A2-5) satisfactorily cures.

As in Example 1, when a cured film formed of the mixture of the curable composition (A1-5) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a hydrocarbon-based surfactant and the curable composition (A2-5) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a fluorine-based surfactant contains the release agents so that their amounts may be equal to each other, a desired pattern is formed without the breakage of the cured film. In addition, the cured film does not remain in a mold and hence an influence on the next shot is eliminated. The same holds true for an effect by the avoidance of the incorporation of an adhesion improver.

That is, a photo-nanoimprint process by which processing can be performed at high throughput and with high accuracy can be provided.

Example 6

(1) Curable Composition (A1-6)

A component (a1), a component (b1), a component (c1), and a component (d1) described below were blended, and the blend was filtered with a 0.2-micrometer filter made of ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene to prepare a curable composition (A1-6) of Example 6.

(1-1) Component (a1):

-   -   94 parts by weight in total

The same formulation as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(1-2) Component (b1):

-   -   0 parts by weight in total

The component (b1) was not added in the same manner as in Example 1.

(1-3) Component (c1):

-   -   1.1 parts by weight in total         Nonionic alkyl-based surfactant (manufactured by Aoki Oil         Industrial Co., Ltd., trade name: BLAUNON SA-50/50 1000R         molecular weight 1000):     -   1.1 parts by weight

(1-4) Component (d1):

-   -   33,000 parts by weight in total

The same component as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(2) Measurement of Surface Tension of Curable Composition (A1-6)

The surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-6) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent at 25° C. was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the surface tension was 32.9 mN/m.

In addition, the surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-6) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent and the component (c1) was measured. As a result, the surface tension was 32.6 mN/m.

The ratio (γ₁-γ₂)/γ₁ was calculated to be (32.9−32.6)/32.9=0.009. Accordingly, the ratio was within ±5% and hence the formula (1) was able to be satisfied.

(3) to (4) Curable Composition (A2-6)

The same composition as that of Example 1 was used as a curable composition (A2-6).

(5) Photo-Nanoimprint Process

As in Example 1, the surface tension of the curable composition (A1-6) arranged in the lower layer is higher than the surface tension of the curable composition (A2-6) dispensed dropwise in the upper layer, and hence the Marangoni effect is expressed and the expansion (prespread) of the droplets of the curable composition (A2-6) is quick.

As in Example 1, in the light irradiating step, the mixture of the curable composition (A1-6) and the curable composition (A2-6) satisfactorily cures.

As in Example 1, when a cured film formed of the mixture of the curable composition (A1-6) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a hydrocarbon-based surfactant and the curable composition (A2-6) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a fluorine-based surfactant contains the release agents so that their amounts may be equal to each other, a desired pattern is formed without the breakage of the cured film. In addition, the cured film does not remain in a mold and hence an influence on the next shot is eliminated. The same holds true for an effect by the avoidance of the incorporation of an adhesion improver.

That is, a photo-nanoimprint process by which processing can be performed at high throughput and with high accuracy can be provided.

Example 7

(1) Curable Composition (A1-7)

A component (a1), a component (b1), a component (c1), and a component (d1) described below were blended, and the blend was filtered with a 0.2-micrometer filter made of ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene to prepare a curable composition (A1-7) of Example 7.

(1-1) Component (a1):

-   -   94 parts by weight in total

The same formulation as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(1-2) Component (b1):

-   -   0 parts by weight in total

The component (b1) was not added in the same manner as in Example 1.

(1-3) Component (c1):

-   -   1.1 parts by weight in total

Methyl polyethylene glycol (manufactured by BASF, trade name: Pluriol A760E):

-   -   1.1 parts by weight

(1-4) Component (d1):

-   -   33,000 parts by weight in total

The same component as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(2) Measurement of Surface Tension of Curable Composition (A1-7)

The surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-7) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent of the curable composition (A1-7) at 25° C. was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the surface tension was 32.5 mN/m.

In addition, the surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-7) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent and the component (c1) was measured. As a result, the surface tension was 32.6 mN/m.

The ratio (γ₁−γ₂)/γ₂ was calculated to be (32.5−32.6)/32.5=−0.003. Accordingly, the ratio was within ±5% and hence the formula (1) was able to be satisfied.

(3) to (4) Curable Composition (A2-7)

The same composition as that of Example 1 was used as a curable composition (A2-7).

(5) Photo-Nanoimprint Process

As in Example 1, the surface tension of the curable composition (A1-7) arranged in the lower layer is higher than the surface tension of the curable composition (A2-7) dispensed dropwise in the upper layer, and hence the Marangoni effect is expressed and the expansion (prespread) of the droplets of the curable composition (A2-7) is quick.

As in Example 1, in the light irradiating step, the mixture of the curable composition (A1-7) and the curable composition (A2-7) satisfactorily cures.

As in Example 1, when a cured film formed of the mixture of the curable composition (A1-7) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a hydrocarbon-based surfactant and the curable composition (A2-7) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a fluorine-based surfactant contains the release agents so that their amounts may be equal to each other, a desired pattern is formed without the breakage of the cured film. In addition, the cured film does not remain in a mold and hence an influence on the next shot is eliminated. The same holds true for an effect by the avoidance of the incorporation of an adhesion improver.

That is, a photo-nanoimprint process by which processing can be performed at high throughput and with high accuracy can be provided.

Example 8

(1) Curable Composition (A1-8)

A component (a1), a component (b1), a component (c1), and a component (d1) described below were blended, and the blend was filtered with a 0.2-micrometer filter made of ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene to prepare a curable composition (A1-8) of Example 8.

(1-1) Component (a1):

-   -   94 parts by weight in total

The same formulation as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(1-2) Component (b1):

-   -   3 parts by weight in total

Irgacure 651 (manufactured by BASF, abbreviation: 1.651):

-   -   3 parts by weight

(1-3) Component (c1):

-   -   0.9 parts by weight in total

Polyoxyethylene stearyl ether (EO 15 mol aduct) (manufactured by Aoki Oil Industrial Co., Ltd., trade name: BLAUNON SR-715):

-   -   0.9 parts by weight

(1-4) Component (d1):

-   -   33,000 parts by weight in total

The same component as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(2) Measurement of Surface Tension of Curable Composition (A1-8)

The surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-8) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent at 25° C. was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the surface tension was 34.4 mN/m.

In addition, the surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-8) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent and the component (c1) was measured. As a result, the surface tension was 33.4 mN/m.

The ratio (γ₁−γ₂)/γ₁ was calculated to be (34.4−33.4)/34.4=0.029. Accordingly, the ratio was within ±5% and hence the formula (1) was able to be satisfied.

(3) to (4) Curable Composition (A2-8)

The same composition as that of Example 1 was used as a curable composition (A2-8).

(5) Photo-Nanoimprint Process

As in Example 1, the surface tension of the curable composition (A1-8) arranged in the lower layer is higher than the surface tension of the curable composition (A2-8) dispensed dropwise in the upper layer, and hence the Marangoni effect is expressed and the expansion (prespread) of the droplets of the curable composition (A2-8) is quick.

As in Example 1, in the light irradiating step, the mixture of the curable composition (A1-8) and the curable composition (A2-8) satisfactorily cures.

As in Example 1, when a cured film formed of the mixture of the curable composition (A1-8) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a hydrocarbon-based surfactant and the curable composition (A2-8) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a fluorine-based surfactant contains the release agents so that their amounts may be equal to each other, a desired pattern is formed without the breakage of the cured film. In addition, the cured film does not remain in a mold and hence an influence on the next shot is eliminated. The same holds true for an effect by the avoidance of the incorporation of an adhesion improver.

That is, a photo-nanoimprint process by which processing can be performed at high throughput and with high accuracy can be provided.

Example 9

(1) to (2) Curable Composition (A1-9)

The same composition as that of Example 2 was used as a curable composition (A1-9).

(3) Preparation of Curable Composition (A2-9)

A component (a2), a component (b2), a component (c2), and a component (d2) described below were blended, and the blend was filtered with a 0.2-micrometer filter made of ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene to prepare a curable composition (A2-9) of Example 9.

(3-1) Component (a2):

-   -   94 parts by weight in total

Isobornyl acrylate (manufactured by Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd., trade name: IB-XA):

-   -   61.6 parts by weight

(2-methyl-2-ethyl-1,3-dioxorane-4-yl)methyl acrylate (manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd., trade name: Medol 10):

-   -   10 parts by weight

1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd., abbreviation: HDODA):

-   -   22.4 parts by weight

(3-2) Component (b2):

-   -   3 parts by weight in total

Lucirin TPO (manufactured by BASF, abbreviation: L.TPO):

-   -   3 parts by weight

(3-3) Component (c2):

-   -   1.1 parts by weight in total

The same formulation as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(3-4) Component (d2):

-   -   0 parts by weight in total

The component (d2) was not added in the same manner as in Example 1.

(4) Measurement of Surface Tension of Curable Composition (A2-9)

The surface tension of the curable composition (A2-9) was measured by the same method as that of the curable composition (A1-1). As a result, the surface tension was 26.1 mN/m.

(5) Photo-Nanoimprint Process

As in Example 1, the surface tension of the curable composition (A1-9) arranged in the lower layer is higher than the surface tension of the curable composition (A2-9) dispensed dropwise in the upper layer, and hence the Marangoni effect is expressed and the expansion (prespread) of the droplets of the curable composition (A2-9) is quick.

As in Example 1, in the light irradiating step, the mixture of the curable composition (A1-9) and the curable composition (A2-9) satisfactorily cures.

As in Example 1, when a cured film formed of the mixture of the curable composition (A1-9) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a hydrocarbon-based surfactant and the curable composition (A2-9) containing 0.5 wt % or more of a fluorine-based surfactant contains the release agents so that their amounts may be equal to each other, a desired pattern is formed without the breakage of the cured film. In addition, the cured film does not remain in a mold and hence an influence on the next shot is eliminated. The same holds true for an effect by the avoidance of the incorporation of an adhesion improver.

That is, a photo-nanoimprint process by which processing can be performed at high throughput and with high accuracy can be provided.

Comparative Example 0

(1) to (2) Curable Composition (A1-0′)

In Comparative Example 0, the curable composition (A1) was not used.

(3) to (4) Curable Composition (A2-0′)

The same composition as that of Example 1 was used as a curable composition (A2-0′).

(5) Photo-Nanoimprint Process

When the curable composition (A2-0′) is directly dispensed dropwise onto the surface of a substrate serving as a solid surface, the Marangoni effect is not expressed. In other words, a prespread promoting effect is not obtained and hence the expansion of the droplets of the curable composition (A2-0′) is slower than that of each of Examples of the present invention.

The breakage of a cured film that occurs at the time of release does not occur because only the curable composition (A2) is used.

It is impossible to achieve both the productivity and accuracy of a photo-nanoimprint process.

Comparative Example 1

(1) Preparation of Curable Composition (A1-1′)

A component (a1), a component (b1), a component (c1), and a component (d1) described below were blended, and the blend was filtered with a 0.2-micrometer filter made of ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene to prepare a curable composition (A1-1′) of Comparative Example 1.

(1-1) Component (a1):

-   -   94 parts by weight in total

The same formulation as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(1-2) Component (b1):

-   -   0 parts by weight in total

The component (b1) was not added in the same manner as in Example 1.

(1-3) Component (c1):

-   -   0 parts by weight in total

The component (c1) was not added.

(1-4) Component (d1):

-   -   33,000 parts by weight in total

The same component as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(2) Measurement of Surface Tension of Curable Composition (A1-1′)

The surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-1′) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent at 25° C. was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the surface tension was 32.6 mN/m.

The calculation of the formula (1) cannot be performed because the curable composition (A1-1′) is free of an internal addition-type release agent as the component (c1) serving as a surfactant.

(3) to (4) Curable Composition (A2-1′)

The same composition as that of Example 1 was used as a curable composition (A2-1′).

(5) Photo-Nanoimprint Process

As in Example 1, the surface tension of the curable composition (A1-1′) arranged in the lower layer is higher than the surface tension of the curable composition (A2-1′) dispensed dropwise in the upper layer, and hence the Marangoni effect is expressed and the expansion (prespread) of the droplets of the curable composition (A2-1′) is quick.

As in Example 1, in the light irradiating step, the mixture of the curable composition (A1-1′) and the curable composition (A2-1′) satisfactorily cures.

However, in the case of a cured film formed of the mixture of the curable composition (A1-1′) free of an internal addition-type release agent and the curable composition (A2-1′) containing a fluorine-based surfactant as an internal addition-type release agent, a cured film free of a release agent is brought into contact with a mold to cause a portion where the cured film breaks, and hence a desired pattern cannot be formed. In addition, the cured film remains in the mold to affect the next shot. Accordingly, it is impossible to achieve both the productivity and accuracy of a photo-nanoimprint process.

Comparative Example 2

(1) Preparation of Curable Composition (A1-2′)

A component (a1), a component (b1), a component (c1), and a component (d1) described below were blended, and the blend was filtered with a 0.2-micrometer filter made of ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene to prepare a curable composition (A1-2′) of Comparative Example 2.

(1-1) Component (a1):

-   -   94 parts by weight in total

The same formulation as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(1-2) Component (b1):

-   -   0 parts by weight in total

The component (b1) was not added in the same manner as in Example 1.

(1-3) Component (c1):

-   -   1.1 parts by weight in total

Pentadecaethylene glycol mono 1H,1H,2H,2H,-perfluorooctyl ether (F(CF₂)₆CH₂CH₂(OCH₂CH₂)₁₅OH) (manufactured by DIC Corporation, abbreviation: DEO-15):

-   -   1.1 parts by weight

(1-4) Component (d1):

-   -   33,000 parts by weight in total

The same component as that of Example 1 was adopted.

(2) Measurement of Surface Tension of Curable Composition (A1-2′)

The surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-2′) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent at 25° C. was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the surface tension was 28.1 mN/m.

In addition, the surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-2′) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent and the component (c1) was measured. As a result, the surface tension was 32.6 mN/m.

The ratio (γ₁−γ₂)/γ₂ was calculated to be (28.1−32.6)/28.1=−0.158. Accordingly, the ratio was within ±5% and hence the formula (1) was not able to be satisfied.

(3) to (4) Curable Composition (A2-2′)

The same composition as that of Example 1 was used as a curable composition (A2-2′).

(5) Photo-Nanoimprint Process

As in Example 1, the surface tension of the curable composition (A1-2′) arranged in the lower layer is lower than the surface tension of the curable composition (A2-2′) dispensed dropwise in the upper layer, and hence the Marangoni effect is not expressed and the expansion (prespread) of the droplets of the curable composition (A2-2′) is slow.

As in Example 1, in the light irradiating step, the mixture of the curable composition (A1-2′) and the curable composition (A2-2′) satisfactorily cures.

In the case of a cured film formed of the mixture of the curable composition (A1-1′) and the curable composition (A2-1′) containing a fluorine-based surfactant as an internal addition-type release agent in both composition, the pattern have a small number of release defects can be formed. In addition, the cured film does not remain in a mold and hence an influence on the next shot is eliminated. But, it is impossible to achieve both the productivity and accuracy of a photo-nanoimprint process.

Comparative Example 3

(1) Preparation of Curable Composition (A1-3′)

A component (a1), a component (b1), a component (c1), and a component (d1) described below were blended, and the blend was filtered with a 0.2-micrometer filter made of ultrahigh-molecular weight polyethylene to prepare a curable composition (A1-3′) of Comparative Example 3.

(1-1) Component (a1):

-   -   100 parts by weight in total

1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Ltd., abbreviation: HDODA):

-   -   100 parts by weight

(1-2) Component (b1):

-   -   0 parts by weight in total

The component (b1) was not added.

(1-3) Component (c1):

-   -   0 parts by weight in total

The component (c) was not added.

(1-4) Component (d1):

-   -   33000 parts by weight in total

Propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (manufactured by Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., abbreviation: PGMEA):

33000 parts by weight

(2) Measurement of Surface Tension of Curable Composition (A1-3′)

The surface tension of a composition of the components of the curable composition (A1-3′) except the component (d1) serving as a solvent at 25° C. was measured in the same manner as in Example 1. As a result, the surface tension was 34.9 mN/m.

The calculation of the formula (1) cannot be performed because the curable composition (A1-3′) is free of an internal addition-type release agent as the component (c1) serving as a surfactant.

(3) to (4) Curable Composition (A2-3′)

The same composition as that of Example 1 was used as a curable composition (A2-3′).

(5) Photo-Nanoimprint Process

As in Example 1, the surface tension of the curable composition (A1-3′) arranged in the lower layer is higher than the surface tension of the curable composition (A2-3′) dispensed dropwise in the upper layer, and hence the Marangoni effect is expressed and the expansion (prespread) of the droplets of the curable composition (A2-3′) is quick.

As in Example 1, in the light irradiating step, the mixture of the curable composition (A1-3′) and the curable composition (A2-3′) satisfactorily cures.

However, in the case of a cured film formed of the mixture of the curable composition (A1-1′) free of an internal addition-type release agent and the curable composition (A2-1′) containing a fluorine-based surfactant, a cured film free of a release agent is brought into contact with a mold to cause a portion where the cured film breaks, and hence a desired pattern cannot be formed. In addition, the cured film remains in the mold to affect the next shot. Accordingly, it is impossible to achieve both the productivity and accuracy of a photo-nanoimprint process.

Summary of Examples and Comparative Examples

The composition tables of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 0 to 3 are collectively shown in Table and Table 2, and the results of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 0 to 3 are collectively shown in Table 3.

TABLE 1 Composition table of curable composition (A1) (part(s) by weight) Com- Com- Com- Com- ponent ponent ponent ponent (a1) (b1) (c1) (d1) Example 1 1B-XA(9) Absent SR-705(1.1) PGMEA(33000) Example 2 V#160(38) SR-715(1.1) Example 3 NP-A(47) SR-730(1.1) Example 4 SR-750(1.1) Example 5 SA-30/70(1.1) Example 6 SA-50/50(1.1) Example 7 A760E(1.1) Example 8 I.651(3) SR-715(0.9) Example 9 Absent SR-715(1.1) Com- (Curable composition (A1) was not used) parative Example 0 Com- 1B-XA(9) Absent Absent PGMEA(33000) parative V#160(38) Example 1 NP-A(47) Com- DEO-15(1.1) parative Example 2 Com- HDODA Absent Absent parative Example 3

TABLE 2 Composition table of curable composition (A2) (part(s) by weight) Component Component Component Component (a2) (b2) (c2) (d2) Example 1 IB-XA(9) I.369(3) DEO-15(1.1) Absent Example 2 V#160(38) Example 3 NP-A(47) Example 4 Example 5 Example 6 Example 7 Example 8 Example 9 IB-XA(61.6) L.TPO(3) Medol10(10) HDODA(22.4) Comparative IB-XA(9) I.369(3) Example 0 V#160(38) Comparative NP-A(47) Example 1 Comparative Example 2 Comparative Example 3

TABLE 3 Results of Examples and Comparative Examples A composition of the components of the composition the composition (A1) except the component (d1) (A2) γ1 γ2 Surface tension (mN/m) (mN/m) (γ1 − γ2)/γ1 (mN/m) Prespread release force Example 1 33.1 32.6 0.015 29.1 Fast satisfactory Example 2 32.9 32.6 0.009 29.1 Fast satisfactory Example 3 33.0 32.6 0.012 29.1 Fast satisfactory Example 4 32.9 32.6 0.009 29.1 Fast satisfactory Example 5 33.1 32.6 0.015 29.1 Fast satisfactory Example 6 32.9 32.6 0.009 29.1 Fast satisfactory Example 7 32.5 32.6 −0.003 29.1 Fast satisfactory Example 8 34.4 33.4 0.029 29.1 Fast satisfactory Example 9 32.9 32.6 0.009 26.1 Fast satisfactory Comparative 29.1 Standard satisfactory Example 0 Comparative 32.6 29.1 Fast unsatisfactory Example 1 Comparative 28.1 32.6 −0.158 29.1 Slow satisfactory Example 2 Comparative 34.9 29.1 Slow unsatisfactory Example 3

In Table 3, the evaluation of the prespread was a relative evaluation with reference to Comparative Example 0. In other words, the prespread was evaluated as being “fast” when its speed was faster than that of Comparative Example 0, and the prespread was evaluated as being “slow” when its speed was on the same level with that of Comparative Example 0 or slower than that of Comparative Example 0. The prespread of each of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Examples 1 and 3 is faster than that of Comparative Example 0, in other words, the case where the curable composition (A1) is not used by virtue of the Marangoni effect.

The evaluation of the release force is also a relative evaluation with reference to Comparative Example 0. In other words, when the release force is on the same level with that of Comparative Example 0 or is smaller than that of Comparative Example 0, the release force is evaluated as being “satisfactory”. When the release force is larger than that of Comparative Example 0, the release force is evaluated as being “unsatisfactory”.

It is shown from the foregoing that when the method of this embodiment is used, a photo-nanoimprint pattern having a small number of release defects can be formed at high throughput.

While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/315,746, filed Mar. 31, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pattern forming method, comprising in the following order: a first laying step (1) of laying a layer formed of a curable composition (A1) containing at least a component (a1) serving as a polymerizable compound and a component (c1) serving as a surfactant on a surface of a substrate; a second laying step (2) of dispensing droplets of a curable composition (A2) containing at least a component (a2) serving as a polymerizable compound and a component (c2) serving as a surfactant dropwise discretely onto the layer formed of the curable composition (A1) to lay the droplets; a mold contacting step (3) of sandwiching a mixture layer obtained by partially mixing the curable composition (A1) and the curable composition (A2) between a mold having a pattern and the substrate; a light irradiating step (4) of irradiating the mixture layer with light from the side of the mold to cure the layer; and a releasing step (5) of releasing the mold from the mixture layer after the curing, the curable composition (A1) containing at least 0.5 wt % or more of a component (c1) serving as a surfactant with respect to the total weight of components of the curable composition (A1) except a solvent, the curable composition (A2) containing at least 0.5 wt % or more of a component (c2) serving as a surfactant with respect to the total weight of components of the curable composition (A2) except a solvent, a surface tension of the curable composition (A1) being higher than a surface tension of the curable composition (A2).
 2. A pattern forming method according to claim 1, wherein the curable composition (A1) containing the component (c1) serving as a surfactant satisfies the formula (1): −5%≦{(γ₁−γ₂)/γ₁}≦5%  (1) in the formula (1), γ₁ represents a surface tension of the curable composition (A1) at 25° C., and γ₂ represents a surface tension of an evaluation curable composition (A1) at 25° C., the evaluation curable composition having the same composition as that of the curable composition (A1) except that the evaluation curable composition is free of the component (c1) serving as a surfactant.
 3. A pattern forming method according to claim 1, wherein contents (wt %) of the component (c1) serving as a surfactant and the component (c2) serving as a surfactant are equal to each other.
 4. A pattern forming method according to claim 1, wherein the curable composition (A1) contains at least 0.9 wt % or more of the component (c1) serving as a surfactant.
 5. A pattern forming method according to claim 1, wherein the curable composition (A1) contains at least less than 0.01 wt % of an adhesion improver with respect to the total weight of components of the curable composition (A1) except a solvent.
 6. A pattern forming method according to claim 1, wherein a viscosity of a composition of components of the curable composition (A1) except a solvent is 1 mPa·s or more and 1,000 mPa·s or less, and a viscosity of a composition of components of the curable composition (A2) except a solvent is 1 mPa·s or more and 12 mPa·s or less.
 7. A pattern forming method according to claim 1, wherein a material for a surface of the mold comprises quartz.
 8. A pattern forming method according to claim 1, wherein the mold contacting step is performed under an atmosphere containing a condensable gas.
 9. A pattern forming method according to claim 8, wherein the second laying step is performed under an atmosphere of a mixed gas containing the condensable gas and a non-condensable gas.
 10. A pattern forming method according to claim 9, wherein the non-condensable gas is helium.
 11. A pattern forming method according to claim 8, wherein the condensable gas is 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane.
 12. A method of producing a processed substrate, comprising the pattern forming method of claim
 1. 13. A method of producing an optical component, comprising the pattern forming method of claim
 1. 14. A method of producing a quartz mold replica, comprising the pattern forming method of claim
 1. 15. A pattern forming method according to claim 1, wherein the pattern comprises a nanosize groove/land pattern based on a photocured product of the curable compositions.
 16. An imprint pretreatment coating material which forms a liquid film as pretreatment coating on a substrate and promotes spreading of components of liquid droplets in the plane of the substrate when the liquid droplets are dispensed onto the liquid film, wherein the imprint pretreatment coating material includes 0.5 wt % or more of a component (c1) serving as a surfactant, and the component (c1) does not significantly change a surface tension in comparison with a component (c2) serving as a surfactant.
 17. An imprint pretreatment coating material according to claim 16, wherein the imprint pretreatment coating material containing the component (c1) serving as a surfactant satisfies the formula (1): −5%≦{(γ₁−γ₂)/γ₁}≦5%  (1) in the formula (1), γ₁ represents a surface tension of the imprint pretreatment coating material at 25° C., and γ₂ represents a surface tension of an evaluation imprint pretreatment coating material at 25° C., the evaluation imprint pretreatment coating material having the same composition as that of the imprint pretreatment coating material except that the evaluation curable composition is free of the component (c1) serving as a surfactant.
 18. An imprint pretreatment coating material according to claim 16, wherein the surface tension of the imprint pretreatment coating material is higher than the surface tension of the liquid droplets dispensed onto the liquid film.
 19. A set containing the imprint pretreatment coating material of claim 16 and an imprint resist to be dispensed on the substrate coated with the imprint pretreatment coating material.
 20. A set according to claim 19, wherein a surface tension of a composition of components of the imprint pretreatment coating material except a solvent is higher than a surface tension of a composition of components of the imprint resist except a solvent.
 21. An imprint resist to be used for the set of claim
 19. 22. A pretreatment method for performing imprint processing of a substrate with arranging a curable composition on the substrate, comprising coating a substrate with the imprint pretreatment coating material of claim
 16. 23. A pattern forming method for forming a pattern on a substrate, comprising dispensing a resist dropwise discretely on a substrate coated with the imprint pretreatment coating material of claim
 16. 